Guide to Wildlife Identification
What You
Should Know | Finding Wildlife
| Game or Non-Game | Techniques
| Signs | Distribution
| Warning for Hunters | Final
Quiz | Over 100 Wildlife Fact
Sheets
Sharp-tailed Grouse(Tympanuchus phasianellus)Size:
May be found in large flocks during autumn near brushy cover, and sometimes around spilled grain near harvested farm fields. The flocks disburse in spring for breeding season. Distribution
in North America: |
During spring mating season, the males will “dance” to attract females by displaying fanned tails, open wings and rapidly strutting and expanding purplish air sacs along their throats. Many males will come together this way, usually at dawn and again in late afternoon. When disturbed, sharptails will flush from cover with an explosive burst of speed and fly straight away, periodically “sailing.” |
Habitat:
- Mostly found in sandhill areas. Their diet consists of wheat, buckwheat, oats, sunflower seeds; buds, twigs and some green vegetation.
Notes:
- Similar in size to spruce grouse and sharp-tailed grouse, but has larger, fan-shaped tail.
- Named for the “ruff” of dark feathers along the sides of the neck. (Many people incorrectly call this bird the ruff grouse.)
- Calls with a series of squawks, peeps, and clucks.
- During spring mating season, the male “drums” his wings over a fallen log, making a characteristic “whump-whump-whump-pump-pump-pump” sound that is often heard by turkey and mushroom hunters.
- Secretive, cautious birds that flush from the ground with an explosive burst of speed when disturbed.
