In summer, fall, and winter sage grouse need tall sagebrush for food and cover. In spring, they move to leks in areas of scattered sagebrush. Hens nest in taller grass amongst the sage to hide nests and chicks from predators. Wet meadows and riparian areas host forbs, small green plants essential to the birds' spring and summer nutrition. Chicks favor plants of the pea and dandelion families, along with western yarrow, sweet clover, and common salsify.
Insects also provide vital nutrients.
Unlike other galliforms, sage grouse lack a functioning gizzard, so cannot digest hard seeds. They must eat soft vegetation, like sagebrush leaves and forbs. Hens lay five to seven eggs, which incubate for two to three weeks. Chicks fly soon after hatching, but stay with their mothers and siblings for ten to twelve weeks. Hens do all the care and feeding.