Grouse
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| Greater Sage-Grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus Greater Sage-Grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus
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Grouse are a group of birds from the order Galliformes. Grouse inhabit temperate and subarctic regions of the northern hemisphere. They are game and are sometimes hunted for food.
In all but one species (the Willow Grouse), males are polygamous, and many species have elaborate courtship displays. These heavily built birds have legs feathered to the toes. Most species are year-round residents, and do not migrate.
These birds feed mainly on vegetables, but will also feed on insects, especially when feeding young.
The American Ornithologists' Union includes grouse (Tetraonidae) as a subfamily of Phasianidae. Based on mtDNA sequences, some systematists believe that certain species belong in new genera [1].
Species
Genus Falcipennis
- Siberian Grouse, Falcipennis falcipennis
- Spruce Grouse, Falcipennis canadensis
Genus Dendragapus (Blue Grouse; now split into two species)
- Dusky Grouse, Dendragapus obscurus
- Sooty Grouse, Dendragapus fuliginosus
Genus Lagopus
- Willow Grouse (Willow Ptarmigan in North America), Lagopus lagopus
- Red Grouse L. l. scoticus - Possibly a distinct species.
- Ptarmigan (Rock Ptarmigan in North America), Lagopus mutus
- White-tailed Ptarmigan, Lagopus leucurus
Genus Tetrao
- Eurasian Black Grouse, Tetrao tetrix
- Caucasian Black Grouse, Tetrao mlokosiewiczi
- Capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus
- Black-billed Capercaillie, Tetrao parvirostris
Genus Bonasa
- Hazel Grouse, Bonasa bonasia
- Severtzov's Grouse, Bonasa sewerzowi
- Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus
Genus Centrocercus
- Greater Sage-Grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus
- Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Centrocercus minimus
Genus Tympanuchus
- Sharp-tailed Grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus
- Greater Prairie-Chicken, Tympanuchus cupido
- Heath Hen, T. c. cupido (extinct, 1932) - possibly a distinct species
- Lesser Prairie-Chicken Tympanuchus pallidicinctus
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
External links
- Grouse videos on the Internet Bird Collection
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