The Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is North America’s largest grouse. This chicken-sized bird is known for male courtship displays on communal stomping grounds called “leks” where they strut and display ornate plumage for females. Sage-grouse populations have declined dramatically and the bird’s range has shrunk to almost half the size of its pre-European settlement range. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has determined that endangered species listing of Greater Sage-Grouse is warranted but precluded at this time. However, ranchers, private industries, agencies and conservation groups can make a difference through effective protection and habitat enhancement to reverse this species’ decline and avoid endangered species listing.
Learn more:
Greater Sage-Grouse fact sheet [PDF]