The dusky grouse, also known as the blue grouse, is a medium-sized grouse species found in the western United States and Canada. In Colorado, dusky grouse can be found in the central and western parts of the state, primarily in pine and aspen forests. Keep reading to learn more about the habitat, range, behavior, and viewing tips for finding dusky grouse in Colorado.
Dusky Grouse Habitat in Colorado
Dusky grouse thrive in transitional zones between vegetation types in Colorado. They are most abundant in ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen forests with dense understory vegetation. The edges of these forest types, as well as openings, meadows, and riparian areas within these forests provide excellent dusky grouse habitat.
Specific types of habitat preferred by dusky grouse in Colorado include:
- Ponderosa pine forests with Gambel oak understory
- Mixed conifer forests with shrubby undergrowth
- Riparian areas along streams and lakes in pine/aspen forests
- Aspen stands with conifer understory
- Forest openings, meadows, and clearcuts that provide foraging areas
Key habitat requirements include a mix of dense vegetation for hiding/thermal cover and more open areas for feeding. The availability of conifers for roosting and winter shelter is also important. Dusky grouse populations can decline when mature forests lacking understory vegetation dominate the landscape.
Dusky Grouse Range in Colorado
In Colorado, dusky grouse are found throughout the central and western regions of the state. They occur in the mountainous forests along the Continental Divide and scattered ranges such as the Grand Mesa, Rabbit Ears Range, Park Range, and Gore Range.
Their elevational range is approximately 7,000 to 11,500 feet. Dusky grouse distribution tends to coincide with the distribution of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and aspen forests. They are more common in northern Colorado than in the southern part of the state.
Some specific areas where dusky grouse can be found include:
- Routt National Forest
- White River National Forest
- Roosevelt National Forest
- Arapaho National Forest
- Pike National Forest
- San Isabel National Forest
- Grand Mesa National Forest
- Uncompahgre National Forest
- Gunnison National Forest
Within their Colorado range, dusky grouse are often associated with quaking aspen. Following forest fires or clear cutting, they will move into areas where aspen is regenerating.
Dusky Grouse Behavior
Understanding the behavior of dusky grouse can help birders know where and when to look for them throughout the seasons.
Some key aspects of dusky grouse behavior include:
- Herbivorous – Eat buds, leaves, seeds, berries, and insects
- Mostly ground-dwelling – Prefer to walk rather than fly
- Males establish breeding territories
- Males perform courtship displays on logs and other elevated perches
- Nest on the ground under shrubs or trees
- females perform distraction displays to lure predators away from nests
- Young chicks leave nest shortly after hatching and follow mother
- In winter, roost in conifers for shelter and thermal cover
- Form larger flocks in fall and winter
Understanding this general behavior can help birders know where to look for dusky grouse and what signs to look for. Focus on forest areas with signs of feeding, look for males displaying in spring, watch for females with broods in summer, and search conifers for flocks roosting in winter.
Viewing Tips
Here are some useful tips for finding and observing dusky grouse in Colorado:
- Walk forest roads – Scan road edges at dawn or dusk when grouse are active.
- Check openings – Meadows, clearcuts, riparian areas hold feeding birds.
- Listen for hooting – Males make a soft hooting sound when displaying.
- Search aspen stands – New aspen growth attracts grouse.
- Visit mineral licks – Some areas have natural clay licks used by grouse.
- Use feeders – Consider setting up a feeding station to draw in grouse.
- Focus on edge habitat – Transitional areas often have more grouse.
- Try roadside counts – Drive forest roads slowly around dawn and dusk.
The most active viewing times are early morning and evening hours. However, dusky grouse can be observed throughout the day as they alternately feed and rest. Patient birders who learn the habitat can often approach these grouse fairly closely.
Best Areas to Find Dusky Grouse
Some of the top sites and areas to spot dusky grouse in Colorado include:
- Grand Mesa National Forest – Extensive aspen stands attract many grouse.
- Uncompahgre National Forest – Mix of pine and aspen forests.
- Guannella Pass – Road goes through prime dusky grouse habitat.
- Rabbit Ears Pass – Routt National Forest supports good numbers.
- Jones Pass – Easy accessibility close to Denver.
- Buffalo Peaks – South Park area with large grouse population.
- Collegiate Peaks – Prime habitat along the Continental Divide.
Within these sites, focus on locations where two or more habitat types meet. Watch for grouse along dirt forest roads, near meadows/openings, and anywhere feeding signs are visible.
Seasonal Viewing Considerations
Dusky grouse can be observed year-round in Colorado but some seasons offer better viewing opportunities.
Winter
In winter, dusky grouse gather in larger flocks and spend more time roosting in conifers for shelter and warmth. This can make them slightly harder to find. However, tracking through snowy forests can reveal areas where grouse have pawed down to feed on buds and conifer needles under the snow.
Spring
During the spring breeding season, observing displaying males is a highlight. Their hooting and popping sounds can help locate them. Scan openings at dawn and dusk for males performing spirited displays on logs and stumps.
Summer
In summer, females lead their chicks to food and watchful birders may be able to spot the young following their mothers through forest areas. Females with broods often stay fairly hidden in thick vegetation.
Fall
Fall is an excellent time to find dusky grouse feeding flocks as the birds prepare for winter. Productive areas to search include berry-producing shrubs, stands of aspen, and other locations with ample food sources.
Interesting Dusky Grouse Facts
- Three recognized subspecies occur in Colorado – Rocky Mountain, Oregon, and Sooty grouse.
- Also called “hooter” and “pine hen” in reference to male hoots and female’s chicken-like appearance.
- Closely related to the ruffed grouse and spruce grouse.
- Male’s yellow skin over eyes becomes much larger during breeding displays.
- Both males and females have feathered “eyebrows” and light dusky barring on a grayish overall background.
- Males make a “popping” sound by clapping their wings together over their back.
- Nest on the ground, typically under shrubs or trees or next to logs/stumps.
- Clutch of 4-10 eggs that are buff colored and lightly spotted.
- Chicks can fly short distances at 2 weeks old, start dispersing from the hen at about 12 weeks.
- Mainly eat plant sources – buds, catkins, leaves, seeds, berries – supplemented by some insects.
Learning about both grouse natural history and good locations to find them is the key to successful sightings. With knowledge of their habitat preferences, behaviors, and seasonal patterns, birdwatchers can zero in on the best areas to observe these elusive forest birds.
Conclusion
In summary, dusky grouse inhabit Colorado’s central and western mountain forests where they thrive in transitional habitat between forest types. Understanding their range, elevation preferences, and habitat needs can help birders locate populations. Focusing efforts during seasons of display, nesting, and winter flocking can increase sighting chances. With field experience, birdwatchers can learn to find these birds by recognizing their signs, sounds, habitat, and behaviors. Patient hikers exploring aspen stands, pine forests, and edge habitats in western Colorado at dawn and dusk will eventually be rewarded with sightings of Colorado’s elusive dusky grouse.