Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Tympanuchus phasianellus caurus (Alaskan), T.p.campestris (Prairie)
Appearance
Range & Habitat
Reciprocal relationships
One of the gifts of the grouse is their ability to enthrall and perform! They have an extravagant mating dance that is performed on mating grounds known as leks. During courtship, they make a low, single, or double cooing sound to attract a mate. Nine to twelve young is a typical number in a sharp-tailed grouse clutch (a group of eggs laid together). These buff-brown coloured eggs are laid into a low nest made of grasses and are incubated for 23 to 24 days.
While most grouse are not threatened, the columbianus subspecies is currently at risk due to the loss of grassland habitat in Southern British Columbia.