More information is needed to provide better understanding of population status. Spruce grouse are listed as a species of special concern. Suitable low elevation habitat is rare in the state. Most populations found in high elevation spruce and fir forests in the White Mountains. White Mountain habitat is also thought to be declining due to acid deposition and heavy recreational use.
More information is needed about population size, breeding.
To use Doubly Labeled Water to determine the field metabolic rates of female spruce grouse during incubation. To measure microhabitat parameters around nesting areas. To observe the broods of radio collared hens and monitor chick survival rates from May to September 2001 and 2002. Doubly Labeled Water, used to measure field metabolic rates, will elucidate the energy expenditure of female spruce grouse during incubation. Nests with greater amount of cover will be more successful than nests with little vegetative cover.