ExploreBirds

Sooty Grouse

Dendragapus fuliginosus

The Sooty Grouse is a large bird that loves to live in the forests of the western United States. They have beautiful dark feathers and are known for their unique calls that sound like a soft whistle.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Sooty Grouse is a robust, chicken-like bird with a short, stout beak. Males are mostly dark bluish-gray with a bright yellow comb over each eye and a purple-red air sac on their throat. Females are mottled brown and gray, providing excellent camouflage in their forest habitat.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyPhasianidaeGenusDendragapus
Sooty Grouse
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Sooty Grouse

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male Sooty Grouse puff out air sacs on their neck to make loud "hoots" during courtship!

Their diet changes so much that young grouse can't eat the same foods as their parents!

They can survive freezing winters by burrowing into the snow for warmth and shelter!

Unlike many birds, female Sooty Grouse often nest directly on the forest floor, well hidden.

Special abilities

Ability

Booming Bass Call

Sooty Grouse can produce a deep, low-frequency hooting call using special throat sacs that carries far through dense forests.

Ability

Master of Camouflage

Sooty Grouse has intricately patterned plumage that helps them blend perfectly into the forest floor or tree bark, avoiding predators.

Ability

Explosive Takeoff

Sooty Grouse can launch into a rapid, powerful flight from a standstill, quickly escaping danger by bursting through trees.

Ability

Winter Needle Diet

Sooty Grouse can digest tough conifer needles, a unique ability that allows them to find food even in harsh winter conditions.

Measurements & details

Length
40-58 cm
Wingspan
65-75 cm
Weight
0.8-1.4 kg
Lifespan
3-8 years
Top Speed
80 km/h
Clutch Size
5-10
Incubation
24-26 days

Diet & Feeding

Sooty Grouse mainly munch on conifer needles, buds, and berries, especially in winter!

Age differences: Young grouse eat insects and greens; adults switch almost entirely to conifer needles.

Primary Foods

  • Conifer needles
  • Tree buds
  • Huckleberries
  • Blueberries
  • Catkins

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Blue Grouse

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Sooty Grouse?

40-58 cm

What is Sooty Grouse's wingspan?

65-75 cm

How much does Sooty Grouse weigh?

0.8-1.4 kg

How long does Sooty Grouse live?

3-8 years

How fast can Sooty Grouse move?

80 km/h

What does Sooty Grouse eat?

Sooty Grouse mainly munch on conifer needles, buds, and berries, especially in winter!

Where is Sooty Grouse usually found?

Forests

How does Sooty Grouse hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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