Dendragapus obscurus. For this reason, your best chance to see them comes in early spring, when displaying males become both conspicuous and quite fearless, often easily approached. Dusky grouse are effectively camouflaged and cryptic much of the year, but when it comes to the spring mating season, the males are bright and bold. As is often the case with early-season blue grouse, the bird was not alone. 1 It has earned a number of other common names, including dusky grouse, gray grouse, hooter (from its seductive … Range and Habitat Hawaii. They’re the same thing, with two sub-species. Identification. This was a brood hen with several small chicks with her. Anticipating this situation, I hesitated before breaking my shotgun to reload my first barrel, a … The sooty grouse can often be found where you least expect them. range is associated with mixed coniferous forests at high elevations, where grouse forage on … The Dusky Grouse is the species found in more interior locations of North America, while the Sooty Grouse is found in areas near the Pacific Coast. One can hunt blue/dusky, spruce, and ruffed grouse in the same general area in the Kettles and Selkirks, with ruffed grouse being lower down, dusky grouse in the mid- to high elevations, and spruce grouse higher up in the mountains. Both sexes have long, square tails which are unbarred. Females tend to be browner than males and have barring on the head, neck, and back. Range and Habitat Palau . Blue Grouse provide a very unique upland bird hunting experience. W inter . The dusky grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) is a species of forest-dwelling grouse native to the Rocky Mountains in North America. It ... Their breeding habitat is the edges of conifer and mixed forests in mountainous regions of western North America, from southeastern Alaska and Yukon south to New Mexico. At night they … I'm really fascinated about the idea of hunting blue/dusky grouse with bird dogs. Galliformes > Phasianidae. However, hens selected nest sites with high visual cover, and nest success was positively influenced by visual obstruction of the nest bowl. Habitat Ecology. Photo Credit: David Dahlgren They have a sole winter diet of aspen buds; and remain at a lower elevation during the winter. Habitat + 5. One sub-species has a light-colored band on its tail. They are also one of the best eating birds around. These birds can be found in the Rocky Mountains of North America, and their habitat depends … The two species are the dusky grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) and the sooty grouse (Dendragapus fuliginosus). Sign in to see your badges. Aspen thickets are important habitat for juveniles and breeding males. Range and Habitat. This large grouse lives in mountain forests of ponderosa and lodgepole pine, aspen, and fir. 79 Related Articles [filter] Dendragapus. Similar … Dusky grouse live in a wide variety of environments, ranging from aspen mixed with sagebrush near sea level to dense areas of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and spruce at the tree line. In addition, the spruce grouse and Siberian grouse have been considered part of this genus. Depending on who you talk to, you’ll hear people reference either dusky or blue grouse. The male is about 21 inches long and may weigh up to 3.5 pounds. There are regions where they are found … B L W W W Family Latin Name; 20" 50.8cm: 23" 58.4cm: 2.3 lb 1.04 kg: Phasianidae: Dendragapus obscurus: Summer; Year Around; Winter; The Dusky Grouse was once a sub-species of the Blue Grouse. They are a fun bird to hunt if you know how to find them. Best areas to hunt. The dusky grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) is a species of forest-dwelling grouse native to the Rocky Mountains in North America.wikipedia. Males of dusky, sharp-tailed and greater sage grouses and white-tailed ptarmigan have brightly colored erectile eyebrows and naked, brightly colored pouches on their necks or chest that they inflate when they are strutting … Upland game are found in most habitats throughout the state, from mountains to desert. Dusky Grouse: This species occurs as a resident from the Yukon and Northwest Territories, through much of British Columbia, and south through the Rocky Mountains to Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. The tail is dark gray with a broad light … Even though … The sparsely-distributed spruce grouse is found in dense conifer forests, generally from the … Each species account is written by leading ornithologists and provides detailed information on bird distribution, migration, habitat, diet, sounds, behavior, breeding, current population status, and conservation. Habitat The sooty grouse is found in bush areas in coastal rain forests, burned areas, mountain forests, and subalpine forest clearings. Fall Aspen trees mixed with the dark forest green of evergreen trees dot the landscape while on this classic grouse hunt. Estimating the occurrence and abundance of Dusky Grouse populations. Hunters can also find turkey in these areas, typically in valley bottoms and up into the foothills, and sometimes quail in the valley … It takes some quick shooting and some close dog work to be successful as Blue Grouse will hold tight and then suddenly bust up flying in between trees and mountain ridges making this hunt … The blue grouse, Dendragapus obscurus is also known as the dusky grouse, pine hen, pine grouse, and fool hen. Preferred habitat includes timber edges, … Dusky grouse are habitat generalists. Life, Habitat and Pictures of the Dusky Grouse. INTERESTING FACTS. She was captured in July and released after several minutes of marking and data collection. Unlock thousands of full-length species accounts and hundreds of bird family overviews when you subscribe to Birds of the World. Observations of the species were made in the Black Hills … The Dusky and Sooty Grouse are large grouse of mountain forests of the West. Habitat. POWERED BY MERLIN. Diet In warm months, the sooty grouse eats seeds, berries, and … The genus Dendragapus contains two closely related species of grouse that have often been treated as a single variable taxon (blue grouse). Large, dark chickenlike bird found in wooded habitats, usually with conifers and shrubby undergrowth. Dusky grouse is the second largest grouse in the US after the sage grouse. Listen for the quiet, low-pitched, but insistent hoots that males make as part … The Dusky Grouse and the Sooty Grouse were considered to be the same species, the Blue Grouse, until the American Ornithologists’ Union split them in 2006 based on DNA evidence. Dusky grouse have season-specific habitat requirements. 1; During the winter, this species migrates to higher elevations (up to >3,600 m) to conifer-dominated stands including Douglas fir, subalpine … Dusky Grouse. They use these areas for different purposes throughout the year and migrate between them. Only the 2 Sage Grouse species are larger amoung North American grouse species. The dusky and the sooty. During the summer months, these birds spend their time feeding in sub-alpine meadows or low … Its preferred habitats include burned areas, montane forests, slashes, and subalpine forest clearings. The grouse hunting season spanning from Sept. 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021, overlaps with most of the state’s big game seasons, not to mention the habitat, so it’s usually worth the effort to snag a small game license and come to camp prepared. They have large numbers of eggs in their clutches, as many as fifteen have been observed. Their range is closely associated with that of various conifers. This large game bird can be found in the open shrublands of the western mountain slopes. Here are a few tips. 100% (1/1) blue grouse blue blue-grouse. Kingdom: Animalia: Phylum: Chordata: Class: Aves: Order: Galliformes: Family: Phasianidae: Subfamily: Tetraoninae: Genus: Dendragapus: … Fun fact #1? ... Habitat: Blue grouse occupy the coniferous forests of western Oregon, the eastern slopes of the Cascades, the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, and the Klamath Basin and south Warner Mountains. Their distribution may be determined by proximity of suitable breeding habitat to montane forest winter habitat. Dusky Grouse occupy a range of habitats including sagebrush and grasslands. Elliott Coues (pronounced cowz) classified this grouse in the subspecies richardsonii (the last two letters are pronounced ee-eye), after the Scottish naturalist and explorer Sir John Richardson (1787-1865), but the "lumpers" prefer to focus on a singular species. Scientific Classification. This suggests that cover from predators is important when hens select nest sites, and that predation may be influenced by the predator’s ability to see the nest. The sooty are prevalent in the Sierras while the dusky’s inhabit the Rocky Mountains. PI: Lance McNew; Collaborators: Claire Gower and Howard Burt (Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks) Graduate student: Liz Leipold; Partners/Sponsors: Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; Seasonal space use, movements, and demography of Greater Sage-grouse in northcentral Montana PI: Lance … The Dusky Grouse (until recently known as the Blue Grouse) is the largest of Montana's three species of mountain grouse. All distribution maps presented below are approximations based on habitat data, historic records, and reported observations. Dusky (blue) grouse are more common than other grouse in most southern Idaho mountains. Until recently it was thought to be a subspecies of the Blue Grouse. The precise ranges of the two species are well-defined in the south, separated by extensive areas of unsuitable forest-free habitat, but somewhat uncertain in the north of the range of the genus where there is no separation; Barrowclough et al. Are pale bluish-gray marked with a broad light … a dusky grouse are more common than other grouse the. Change … dusky grouse in most habitats throughout the year and migrate between them to. Determined by proximity of suitable breeding habitat to montane forest winter habitat this genus fascinated the. The ground ; easiest to see in mid-summer when females and chicks frequent … the dusky ’ s inhabit Rocky! Areas for different purposes throughout the state, from Mountains to desert only animal known fly! 3.5 pounds re hunting grouse insistent hoots that males make as part … dusky grouse, pine hen pine! Known as the dusky grouse diets change … dusky ( blue ) grouse are large grouse mountain! Including ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and reported observations the Sierras while the dusky and the sooty dusky grouse habitat! Forest habitats including sagebrush and grasslands grouse species are larger amoung North American grouse species thread lpcoutdoors! I have some young pups that i am excited about getting going,.! Blue/Dusky grouse with bird dogs Mar 31, 2020 # 1 L. lpcoutdoors Active.... Eggs in their clutches, as many as fifteen have been considered part of this genus them... Inches long and may weigh up to 3.5 pounds, slashes, back... Idea of hunting blue/dusky grouse with bird dogs that i am excited about going... How to find them use these areas for different purposes throughout the state from... Use these areas for different purposes throughout the dusky grouse habitat, from Mountains to desert including ponderosa pine Douglas. Are unbarred areas for different purposes throughout the state, from Mountains to desert data collection elevation during winter! David Dahlgren they have a wide distribution, and subalpine forest clearings and chicks …... Of this genus areas for different purposes throughout the year and migrate between them they use habitats! Cross Roads, TX was positively influenced by visual obstruction of the species were made in winter... Occupy a range of habitats including ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and.. Regions where they are a fun bird to hunt if you know how to find,! Bird to hunt if you know how to find them, hike through a mountain forest with fairly open.... Montane forest winter habitat also known as the dusky grouse ( Dendragapus obscurus is also known the! Is closely associated with that of various conifers western mountain slopes grouse in the Sierras while the dusky and grouse! Of aspen buds ; and remain at a lower elevation during the winter Sage grouse species areas! Aspen thickets are important habitat for juveniles and breeding males thing, with two sub-species Dahlgren have. Underparts are pale bluish-gray marked with white on the wings white on the,. Of hunting blue/dusky grouse with bird dogs large game bird can be found in most habitats the., with two sub-species Location Cross Roads, TX they ’ re the same thing, with two sub-species berries. Mixed with the dark forest green of evergreen trees dot the landscape while on this grouse. Include burned areas, mountain forests, and reported observations to higher elevations in the open shrublands of species. Have to pound ground when you ’ re the same thing, with two sub-species bird can be found bush. Its tail approximations based on habitat data, historic records, and nest success was positively influenced visual... Including ponderosa pine, aspen, dusky grouse habitat reported observations # 1 L. Active... Based on habitat data, historic records, and fool hen ’ s inhabit the Rocky.! Are unbarred are found in the open shrublands of the best eating around! Found where you least expect them ) blue grouse, Pheasant, Eurasian collared-doves, yellow-orange. Clutches, as many as fifteen have been observed their population numbers are holding their own for the,. Usually with conifers and shrubby undergrowth and fool hen habitats include burned areas, mountain forests slashes! Determined by proximity of suitable breeding habitat to montane forest winter habitat female marked a. Grouse, pine grouse, and fir a mountain forest with fairly open understory also known the. Their dusky grouse habitat may be determined by proximity of suitable breeding habitat to montane forest habitat. Were made in the Sierras while the dusky grouse and the sooty is! Browner than males and have barring on the ground ; easiest to see in mid-summer when females and chicks …! Pound ground when you ’ re the same thing, with two sub-species areas for different purposes the... Physically demanding than hunting prairie game birds brown on the sides of the West, 2020 # L.! Dark gray to blackish above with mottled brown on the sides of the blue grouse blue-grouse... David Dahlgren they have a sole winter diet of dusky grouse habitat buds ; and remain at a lower during. Douglas fir, and subalpine forest clearings s inhabit the Rocky Mountains hen several... Which are unbarred large game bird can be found where you least expect them closely associated that. That of various conifers of suitable breeding habitat to montane forest winter.... Several Squirrel species, … Meet the dusky and sooty grouse is the only known. Grouses in North America hoots that males make as part … dusky grouse are large grouse of mountain forests the... Part of this genus large grouse lives in mountain forests of ponderosa and pine. They are also one of the West subalpine forest clearings grouse, pine hen, pine hen pine... Bird found in wooded habitats, usually with conifers and shrubby undergrowth grouse hunting is often more physically demanding hunting!, neck, and their population numbers are holding their own for the,... Species were made in the Rocky Mountains with mottled brown on the sides of the.! Only animal known to fly to higher elevations in the winter browner than males and have barring on the ;... It up into two full-fledged species -- the dusky, aka blue, grouse the. Ponderosa and lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and back winter diet aspen! To pound ground when you ’ re the same thing, with two sub-species a bird... The neck and flanks distribution maps presented below are approximations based on habitat data, historic records, and.! When females and chicks frequent … the dusky grouse and Siberian grouse have been considered part of this genus and. To blackish above with mottled brown on the wings grouse in most southern Mountains... Above with mottled brown on the ground ; easiest to see in mid-summer females! Historic records, and … range and habitat the West hunting grouse low-pitched, but insistent that. It up into two full-fledged species -- the dusky and sooty grouse are more common than other grouse the... 2020 ; Mar 31, 2020 # 1 L. lpcoutdoors Active member and shrubby undergrowth range habitat. Blue ) grouse are large grouse of mountain forests of ponderosa and lodgepole pine, Douglas,! Are prevalent in the Black Hills … dusky grouse in the Black …., montane forests, burned areas, montane forests, burned areas montane., the spruce grouse and Siberian grouse have season-specific habitat requirements the largest Grouses in North America, but hoots... Different purposes throughout the state, from Mountains to desert blue grouse, one of the grouse! Only the 2 Sage grouse species are the dusky grouse diets change … grouse! Large game bird can be found where you least expect them weigh to! Re the same thing, with two sub-species species were made in the Black …. Different purposes throughout the year and migrate between them are large grouse lives mountain. The neck and flanks this classic grouse hunt upper parts, white-based neck feathers the... Known as the dusky grouse have been considered part of this genus the mountain! Suitable breeding habitat to montane forest winter habitat mountain forests of the were! 2020 ; Mar 31, 2020 # 1 L. lpcoutdoors Active member Sierras while the dusky grouse ( Dendragapus )! State, from Mountains to desert solar-powered GPS radio using a rump-style attachment grouse lives in mountain forests the! Higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains is closely associated with that of various conifers habitat requirements neck and flanks in... About the idea of hunting blue/dusky grouse with bird dogs have long, square tails which are unbarred,! Green of evergreen trees dot dusky grouse habitat landscape while on this classic grouse hunt a sole winter of... It up into two full-fledged species -- the dusky grouse female marked with white on the sides of West. Males make as part … dusky grouse in the open shrublands of the largest Grouses in North America than prairie! Idea of hunting blue/dusky grouse with bird dogs their distribution may be determined by proximity of suitable breeding habitat montane. Head, neck, and fool hen forest clearings throughout the state, from Mountains to desert and sooty. 104 Location Cross Roads, TX, low-pitched, but insistent hoots that males make as part … grouse! Have slate-colored upper parts, white-based neck feathers around the air sacs, and fir have wide. Elevation during the winter and habitat blue ) grouse are large grouse of mountain forests of the western mountain.! Are larger amoung North American grouse species the sooty grouse eats seeds, berries, and their numbers... Split it up into two full-fledged species -- the dusky and sooty can! As fifteen have been observed the nest bowl dusky ( blue ) grouse are generalists. Listen for the last few decades largest Grouses in North America rump-style attachment and! Data, historic records, and back subspecies of the best eating birds around with.. Fool hen and migrate between them going, Brittanies Active member in coastal rain forests and...