Grouse are a group of medium to large-sized birds in the family Tetraonidae. There are 17 species of grouse worldwide, 10 of which are native to North America. Some of the most common and widespread grouse species include:
Ruffed Grouse
The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is one of the most common and widely distributed grouse species in North America. Their range extends across much of Canada and the United States. Population estimates indicate there are about 8 million ruffed grouse across their range. They inhabit mixed woodlands and thickets and are perhaps best known for the “drumming” display the males perform to attract females during breeding season.
Spruce Grouse
The spruce grouse (Falcipennis canadensis) is a species of the boreal and mountain forests of Alaska, Canada, and the western United States. They are common year-round residents within their range. While population estimates are lacking, they are numerous and not considered threatened. Their habitat preference for coniferous and mixed forests limits their distribution but they can be locally abundant in these forest types.
Willow Ptarmigan
The willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) has a circumpolar distribution, inhabiting tundra regions across northern North America, Europe, and Asia. They are numerous within their broad range with stable populations. For example, Alaska is estimated to have around 6 million breeding willow ptarmigan alone. Their plumage allows them to camouflage well into their tundra habitat.
Rock Ptarmigan
Closely related to the willow ptarmigan is the rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta). It also has a circumpolar distribution in cold climates. Across their global range, rock ptarmigan number in the tens of millions. They are locally common in alpine and arctic tundra habitats, camouflaged by their mottled plumage.
Greater Sage-Grouse
The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) inhabits sagebrush habitats of the western United States and southern Canada. Habitat loss has caused declines in their population, but they remain relatively common within their range. Current population estimates are around 200,000 to 500,000. Conservation efforts are underway to restore sagebrush habitat and reverse population declines.
Gunnison Sage-Grouse
Closely related to the greater sage-grouse is the Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus), found only in isolated areas of Colorado and Utah. They have a much smaller and declining population of only around 3,000-4,000 birds. Habitat loss threatens the species, which relies on sagebrush. The Gunnison sage-grouse is federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Blue Grouse
The blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) is a species of the western United States and Canada. They inhabit coniferous forests. While no overall population estimates are available, they are reported as being common and the population is considered stable. Local densities can reach up to 12 grouse per square kilometer in prime habitat.
Sooty Grouse
Closely related to the blue grouse is the sooty grouse (Dendragapus fuliginosus), found along the Pacific coast. They inhabit coniferous rainforests. No population estimates are available but the species is numerous within its range and populations are considered stable. They are the provincial bird of British Columbia.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
The sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) inhabits open prairies, plains, and savannas of North America. Population declines have occurred but the species remains common throughout much of its original range, with stable populations in areas of suitable habitat. Persistence of grassland habitat will be key to maintaining populations into the future.
Greater Prairie-Chicken
The greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) is a species of the prairies and grasslands of central North America. They have experienced significant population declines and disappearance from parts of their historic range due to habitat loss, with current estimates of around 200,000 birds across fragmented ranges. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect remaining prairie habitat and restore populations.
Lesser Prairie-Chicken
The lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) inhabits arid grasslands of the southern Great Plains. Once abundant, habitat loss has caused severe declines in their population. The current population is estimated at only around 30,000 birds, with the species being federally listed as threatened and vulnerable to extinction. Efforts are underway to protect remaining habitat and restore their numbers.
Overall Grouse Population Status
While some species like the Gunnison sage-grouse and lesser prairie-chicken have experienced severe declines and are at high risk for extinction, most grouse species remain relatively abundant across substantial parts of their range. Many are able to thrive in habitats like coniferous forests and arctic tundra that are less suitable for human use. Maintaining large connected areas of natural habitat will benefit grouse populations into the future.
Grouse Population Estimates
Species | Population Estimate |
---|---|
Ruffed Grouse | ~8 million |
Spruce Grouse | No overall estimate, locally common |
Willow Ptarmigan | ~6 million in Alaska alone |
Rock Ptarmigan | Tens of millions |
Greater Sage-Grouse | 200,000 – 500,000 |
Gunnison Sage-Grouse | 3,000 – 4,000 |
Blue Grouse | No overall estimate, stable population |
Sooty Grouse | No overall estimate, common & stable |
Sharp-tailed Grouse | Common but declining in areas |
Greater Prairie-Chicken | ~200,000 |
Lesser Prairie-Chicken | ~30,000 |
Conclusion
In summary, grouse are a diverse and widely distributed group of birds, with species inhabiting tundra, forests, prairies, and sagebrush habitats across North America and Eurasia. Most species remain relatively common, though habitat loss has caused declines in grassland-dependent species like prairie-chickens. Maintaining large connected tracts of natural habitat will be important for ensuring the persistence of grouse populations into the future.