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Sharp-Tailed Grouse The Sharp-Tailed grouse is closely related to the prairie chicken. Males can grow up to a foot and a half in length and more than two pounds in weight, while females are typically 2-3 inches smaller and a half pound lighter. Found in the central portion of the United States, these birds can be distinguished by their short tail, two central square-tipped feathers and outer tail feathers, which is where they get their name. They also have lighter underparts with a white belly that is uniformly covered in v-shaped marks. Typically these birds are found with around 8-12 males on display on leks. Males rapidly stamp their feet, approximately 20 times per second, and rattle their tail feathers while spinning in circles. Females will select the most dominant one or two males. |
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Sharp-Tailed grouse have a diet that varies seasonally. In the summer they eat prairie grass and in the winter they eat berries and grains. Their daily routine encompasses eating in the early morning, loafing in the afternoon and then eating once more later on in the day. These birds prefer to roost in wide open spaces that are covered in short prairie grass. Typically there is very little wooded cover, but their nests are surrounded by vegetation to protect their young. Throughout the day they will stay close to their nest, typically not leaving further than a mile. |
