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Dusky Grouse

Dendragapus obscurus

The Dusky Grouse is a special bird that loves to live in the mountains. With its fluffy feathers and unique calls, it can be a fun surprise to spot while hiking in the woods!

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Dusky Grouse is a robust, dark-feathered bird often found on forest floors. Males are mostly dark gray, featuring a striking yellow-orange air sac and a yellow comb above the eye during display, bordered by white feathers. Females are a mottled brown and gray, providing excellent camouflage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyPhasianidaeGenusDendragapus
Dusky Grouse
feathered trait badgesolitary trait badgesinging trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Dusky Grouse

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Chicks can leave the nest and find their own food just a few hours after hatching!

Did you know male Dusky Grouse puff up their chest sacs to look like big, colorful balloons?

In winter, they often bury themselves in soft snow to stay warm and hide from hungry predators!

They swallow tiny stones called grit, which helps them grind up tough plant foods like needles!

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Muncher

Dusky Grouse can survive harsh winters by eating tough conifer needles, thanks to their strong gizzards.

Ability

Booming Calls

Males have inflatable neck sacs that let them make deep, resonant booming sounds to attract females.

Ability

Forest Camo

The Dusky Grouse has mottled brown and gray feathers that help them blend perfectly into the forest floor, hiding from predators.

Measurements & details

Length
45-58 cm
Wingspan
65-71 cm
Weight
0.9-1.4 kg
Lifespan
3-8 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
5-10
Incubation
25-26 days

Diet & Feeding

Dusky Grouse mostly munch on plants like leaves, berries, and conifer needles, especially in winter!

Age differences: Young chicks eat more insects for protein; adults are primarily herbivorous.

Primary Foods

  • conifer needles
  • leaves
  • buds
  • berries
  • catkins
  • insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a Dusky Grouse, watch quietly from a distance so you don't scare it away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Dusky Grouse?

45-58 cm

What is Dusky Grouse's wingspan?

65-71 cm

How much does Dusky Grouse weigh?

0.9-1.4 kg

How long does Dusky Grouse live?

3-8 years

How fast can Dusky Grouse move?

60 km/h

What does Dusky Grouse eat?

Dusky Grouse mostly munch on plants like leaves, berries, and conifer needles, especially in winter!

Where is Dusky Grouse usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Dusky Grouse hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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