Hear sage grouse calling on lek! (291KB) Fast Facts: There are four other species of grouse in Washington State. Sage grouse eat mostly sagebrush leaves during winter. Grouse chicks leave the nest with their mother soon after hatching and are capable of flight in 1 week. Approximately 1 of 3 adult grouse is killed by a predator each year. Many prairie grouse nest in revegetated croplands that are part of the National Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Related Links: Sage Grouse Modeling Sage Grouse In Wyoming Sage Grouse Pictures More Sage Grouse Links

Sage and sharp-tailed grouse were historically found throughout most of the sagebrush, deciduous shrub, and grass habitats of eastern Washington. Large-scale removal of native vegetation for agriculture uses, combined with reduce in habitat quality as a result of intensive grazing by livestock, have resulted in the statewide reduction of prairie grouse. Recent surveys have indicated that sage grouse are primarily restricted to Douglas, Kittitas, and Yakima counties and sharp-tailed grouse are restricted to Okanogan, Douglas, and Lincoln counties. Remaining populations appear to be small and isolated, corresponding to partially intact areas of habitat. Declines in populations of sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse have resulted in their consideration as endangered or threatened species. Consequently, there is a continual demand for information on prairie grouse that justifies thorough research. The objectives of this research are directed toward the ultimate goal of stabilizing, improving, and/or expanding populations of prairie grouse. Several specific questions are being addressed for populations of prairie grouse in south-central and north-central Washington: What habitats do prairie grouse use for breeding, feeding, nesting, brooding, wintering and roosting? Are prairie grouse able to successfully use altered habitats for breeding, feeding, nesting, brooding, wintering and roosting? Are certain habitats or areas critical to survival and/or productivity of prairie grouse? Can lek behavior be used to determine critical areas? Can management strategies be developed for either private or public lands in Washington that will improve conditions for prairie grouse? Can the statewide distribution of prairie grouse be increased by transplanting birds from one area into another? In the future we will also looking at population dynamics and habitat requirements of other grouse species that occur in our state.

Riparian shrub cover provides critical sharp-tailed grouse habitat. Have you ever seen a sage grouse STRUTTING? Male sharp-tailed grouse on the dancing ground.

Contact wildthing@dfw.wa.gov for more information about research.