What's the difference between the Gunnison vs. greater sage-grouse?
Gunnison sage-grouse are only two-thirds the size of the greater sage-grouse. They also have different banding patterns on their tail feathers and prominent ponytail feathers, called filoplumes.
The coolest thing about both the Gunnison and greater sage-grouse is their mating ritual. To attract the ladies (hens) the male sage-grouse (cocks) strut, fan their tail feathers and swell their
breasts to reveal bright yellow air
sacs.
But, there are some differences in their mating dance. Male Gunnison sage-grouse wag their tails at the end of their display, and pop their air sacs a few more times than greater sage-grouse.
Both the Gunnison and greater sage-grouse need wide-open, intact habitat dominated by sagebrush.
|
