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Species at Risk in the Prairie and Northern Region
Swift Fox; Photo: L. Carbyn
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Greater Sage-grouse
© Parks Canada, Photo: W. Lynch

Greater
Sage-grouse

Scientific name:
Centrocercus urophasianus urophasianus

Status:
Endangered in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act

Greater Sage-grouse, the largest grouse in Canada, are found on the southernmost prairies where sagebrush grows. Their long pointed tail and black belly differentiate them from other grouse. Their numbers have drastically declined because there are fewer areas with the vegetation cover they need.

Length of males: 65-75 cm (25-30 inches)
Length of females: 56-58 cm (22-23 inches)

Range map

Greater Sage-grouse range map - distribution in four small pockets in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan

Did you know?

  • In the spring, males strut around on dancing grounds (leks), with their chests puffed and tails fanned out in an attempt to attract females. Despite these efforts, only 15% of these show-offs find a mate.
  • In winter, they sometimes dig burrows in the snow where the temperature can be up to 23°C warmer than outside!

More information

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The Green LaneTM, Environment Canada's World Wide Web site
Last updated: 2007-06-20
Last reviewed: 2007-04-12
URL of this page: http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca /nature/endspecies/sar/db08s11.en.html