Photo: ©1996 Don Baccus
Centrocercus urophasianus
A California Species of Special Concern, Harvest Species
Life History
The sage grouse, or "sage hen" as it is commonly called, is the largest native grouse
in North America. Among the fowl-like birds, only the turkey is larger than the sage grouse.
The sage grouse is a permanent resident in northeastern California, ranging from the
Oregon border along the east side of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada
to northern Inyo County. Lassen and Mono counties have the most stable populations.
Found in greatest abundance in a combination of sagebrush, perennial grassland
or wet meadow, and water. Bitterbrush and alkali desert scrub are
also commonly present.
Males from several square miles gather at traditional strutting areas
(leks) in late winter
and early spring. These leks are located on patches of bare ground surrounded by sagebrush
stands of moderate canopy. Some population movements may occur in winter.
Open areas within sagebrush communities are needed for courtship
displays. Fairly open stands of sagebrush are needed for nesting.
The nest is a shallow scrape with a thin lining of plant material; often placed
under sagebrush. Breeds from mid-February to late August.
Peak strutting period March-April. Nesting and brooding period May-July.
All males in a local area gather to display (lek) during the
early breeding period. A few dominant males do most of the mating.
Clutch size 5-13; average 7-8. Incubation period 25 days.
Female cares for young. Young fly first at 7-14 days.
Adult feed primarily on sagebrush and leafage of green grass, forbs, clover, sunflower
and supplement their diet with insects, particularly grasshoppers.
Hunting
Sage grouse when alarmed will emit a sharp cackle, "kek-kek-kek".
Sage grouse rise from the ground slowly under labored wing beats, however, they
are able to gain speed quickly for such a large bird.
Young sage grouse are excellent eating and are considered a prized game bird by those who
hunt them. Older birds may be tough and often have a strong sage flavor as a result of
their diet. This flavor can often be prevented by cleaning
the bird quickly after they are shot.
Departmental Efforts
To enhance and improve sage grouse within California the Department of Fish and Game has
developed springs in suitable habitat and coordinated efforts with other State agencies to
limit the removal of sage brush habitat. These coordinated efforts work toward retaining and
increasing the present status of this popular upland game species in California.
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