Greater sage-grouse

The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is the largest grouse (a bird species) in North America. Its range is sagebrushcountry in the western United States and southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. It was known as simply the sage grouseuntil the Gunnison sage-grouse was recognized as a separate species in 2000.[3] The Mono Basin population of sage grouse may also be distinct.
The greater sage-grouse is a permanent resident in its breeding grounds but may move short distances to lower elevations during winter. It makes use of a complex lek system in mating and nests on the ground under sagebrush or grass patches. It forages on the ground, mainly eating sagebrush but also other plants and insects. Greater sage-grouse do not have a muscular crop and are not able to digest hard seedslike other grouse.
The species is in decline across its range due to habitat loss and has been recognized as threatened or near threatened by several national and international organizations.
Category:Animals
Category:Creatures
Category:IUCN red list near threatened species
Category:Centrocercus
Category:Birds of the United States
Category:Native birds of the Western United States
Category:Fauna of the Great Basin
Category:Grouse
Category:Birds described in 1827
Category:Birds