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sharp-tailed grouse
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Illustration of a sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus), showing a plump, brown and white speckled bird with a short beak and an upright, pointed tail.
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sharp-tailed grouse

bird
Also known as: Tympanuchus phasianellus, prairie chicken
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Quick Summary

Illustration of a sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus), showing a plump, brown and white speckled bird with a short beak and an upright, pointed tail.
sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus).

The sharp-tailed grouse (Pedioecetes phasianellus) is a large grouse found in the open prairies and foothills of the western U.S. and Canada. It is often confused with the prairie chicken. This bird is light buff in color, mottled with black, and has a slightly crested head and elongated middle tail feathers.1

Grouse are game birds belonging to the family Tetraonidae. The sharp-tailed grouse is one of two species known for spectacular displays, the other being the sage grouse. The sharp-tailed grouse is about 45 cm (18 inches) long and weighs approximately 1 kg (2 pounds). It inhabits areas from Quebec and Michigan westward across Canada and southwestward to New Mexico.2

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