Quick Answer
Sharp-tailed Grouse can be identified by their distinctive whistling calls and the male's courtship dance, which involves leaping and spreading their tails to attract females. To locate their trails, listen for these vocalizations and observe the males' courtship displays. Sharp-tailed Grouse tend to congregate in areas with dense shrubs and grasses.
Identifying Vocalizations
Sharp-tailed Grouse are known for their whistling calls, which resemble a series of descending “whip-poor-will” sounds. To identify these calls, listen for a sequence of five to seven whistles that decrease in pitch. These calls can be heard during the morning and evening, typically from March to June. Listen carefully for these sounds as you move through the habitat, and you may be able to track the birds to their roosting sites or lekking grounds.
Observing Courtship Displays
Male Sharp-tailed Grouse begin their courtship displays in late March, with a series of leaping and spinning performances designed to attract females. To spot these displays, look for males in areas with dense shrubs and grasses, typically 1-2 feet tall. These males will often use a “lek” or a specific display area where they will perform their courtship dance. Keep a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds, and observe their behavior to learn more about their habits.
Habitat and Terrain Analysis
Sharp-tailed Grouse tend to inhabit areas with dense shrubs and grasses, typically 1-3 feet tall. They prefer open to partially open terrain, often with a mix of grasses and forbs. When searching for these birds, look for areas with a mix of sandy and clay soils, as these provide the perfect habitat for the grouse’s preferred food sources. Pay attention to the terrain and vegetation structure as you move through the habitat, and use this information to narrow down your search for Sharp-tailed Grouse.
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