Sharp-tailed Grouse

Sharp-tailed Grouse are spotted, brown and white, chicken-like birds (15-19 in). Their tail feathers are narrow and pointed with white edges.

Sharp-tailed Grouse are found in southwestern Canada and the northern United States. They live in open, grassy areas during the summer and sheltered, wooded areas during the winter. Their diet includes seeds, buds, and leaves as well as insects, berries, and grains.

Could it be? Ring-necked Pheasants are larger and don't have narrow, pointed, white-edged tail feathers.

Did you know? Up to two dozen males perform a courtship display on a group breeding ground called a lek. During the mating dance, the males spread their wings, holding their tail up straight and shaking it while they dance in a circle. Their large purple neck sacs are inflated and they make popping or whistling sounds.

See Also: Blue Grouse, Greater Sage-Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse

Hard - can be difficult to spot. They may be few in number or not readily visible (for example, underground).

Grasslands are large open areas covered with grasses. They have very few trees or shrubs. This habitat includes prairies and tundra.

Mountains are very high areas of land with steep sides leading to a peak. They are often connected to other mountains as part of a mountain range.