%1 http://coloradoencyclopedia.org/ en Sage grouse http://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/sage-grouse <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--encyclopedia-article.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Sage grouse</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--encyclopedia-article.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/users/yongli" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">yongli</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--encyclopedia-article.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'time' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/time.html.twig' --> <time datetime="2016-05-17T11:07:14-06:00" title="Tuesday, May 17, 2016 - 11:07" class="datetime">Tue, 05/17/2016 - 11:07</time> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/time.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'addtoany_standard' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * addtoany-standard--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * addtoany-standard--node.html.twig x addtoany-standard.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="http://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/sage-grouse" data-a2a-title="Sage grouse"><a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=http%3A%2F%2Fcoloradoencyclopedia.org%2Farticle%2Fsage-grouse&amp;title=Sage%20grouse"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a></span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig x field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item" id="id-body"><p>Sage grouse are a group of chicken-sized birds with a unique breeding behavior and dependence on sagebrush shrubs (genus <em>Artemisia</em>) for food and shelter throughout their life cycle. In the last century, human population expansion throughout western North America has reduced the amount of sagebrush and degraded and fragmented the remaining areas. Vanishing sagebrush has resulted in sage grouse (genus <em>Centrocercus</em>) population declines and elevated conservation concern. Western Colorado is home to both species of sage grouse: greater sage grouse (<em>Centrocercus urophasianus</em>) and Gunnison sage grouse (<em>Centrocercus</em><em> minimus</em>). Populations in the state, and throughout their range, have declined sufficiently to warrant consideration for federal protection for both species under the Endangered Species Act.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Description</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>The scientific name (genus) of sage grouse is <em>Centrocercus</em>. Both members of the genus have dark brown wings and bodies. Females of both species have dark gray, brown, and white feathers covering the body and head. In addition to being larger in body size, male sage grouse are “showier” with plumage (feather) markings females do not possess. Males have long, brown tail feathers with coarse black bars and scale like white feathers covering the breast and greenish-yellow air sacs on their chests used in mating displays. Male Gunnison sage grouse weigh approximately just under five pounds (females weigh approximately two and a half pounds), while male greater sage grouse weigh between five and seven pounds (females weigh between three and four pounds).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>For many years, all sage grouse were thought to be of one species. Beginning in the 1970s scientists noticed differences in morphology, behavior, and genetics between sage grouse in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah compared to the rest of the range. This led sage grouse in southern Colorado and southeastern Utah to be formally recognized as a separate species: Gunnison sage grouse. The larger-bodied sage grouse in the rest of the range were subsequently renamed greater sage grouse.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Historically, sage grouse occupied sagebrush rangelands in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States and British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in Canada. In Colorado sage grouse occur only in the western portion of the state. The <strong><a href="/article/colorado-river">Colorado</a></strong>–<strong>Eagle River</strong> Valley seems to be the dividing line between the two species’ ranges, with greater sage grouse occupying sagebrush rangelands north of the river valley and Gunnison sage grouse to the south. Larger populations of greater sage grouse occur in <a href="/article/grand-county"><strong>Grand</strong></a>, <a href="https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/jackson-county"><strong>Jackson</strong></a>, and <strong><a href="/article/moffat-county">Moffat</a></strong> Counties. The largest population of Gunnison sage grouse occurs in <strong><a href="/article/gunnison-county">Gunnison County</a></strong>, with smaller populations in <strong>Saguache</strong>, <strong><a href="/article/delta-county">Delta</a></strong>, <a href="/article/montrose-county"><strong>Montrose</strong></a>, <a href="/article/mesa-county"><strong>Mesa</strong></a>, <a href="https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/dolores-county"><strong>Dolores</strong></a>, and <a href="/article/san-miguel-county"><strong>San Miguel</strong></a> Counties.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Breeding Behavior</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Sage grouse have a lek mating system. A lek is typically formed in an area of short vegetation, surrounded by sagebrush, where males congregate during the spring to compete for breeding access to females by strutting. During the display, males fan their tail feathers while they inflate their air sacs, emitting a popping sound. The vocalizations produced by Gunnison sage grouse are structurally different and slower than that of greater sage grouse. Vocalizations are different enough that females from each species do not respond to the male vocalizations from the other. Sage grouse are typically elusive and difficult to observe, but lekking provides bird enthusiasts a seasonal opportunity to see both species in the wild. Colorado has designated viewing areas for greater sage grouse near the town of <strong>Walden</strong>, and for Gunnison sage grouse near the town of <strong>Gunnison</strong>.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Habitat Requirements</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Although both species depend on sagebrush, their habitat needs vary throughout the year. In spring, sage grouse require areas of short vegetation for leks, but these areas must be surrounded by intact sagebrush rangelands. Sagebrush surrounding leks serves as cover for females to hide their nests from predators and as escape cover for displaying males when predators approach. For nesting, females generally select taller-than-average sagebrush shrubs with greater shrub canopies and grass cover for concealment. Females are the only parent to care for the brood of chicks. Sage grouse chicks rely on the surrounding area for food and are not directly fed by their parents. Early in the brooding period, hens and chicks are found in open shrub canopy areas that contain many different types of plants, including soft flowering plants or forbs, as well as abundant insects, which are eaten by chicks.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>As the chicks grow and summer progresses, the hen moves the brood farther from the nest in search of food, usually into wetter, low-lying areas. In the fall, sage grouse seek lush forage upslope and on ridges. During the winter, sage grouse rely solely on sagebrush shrubs for food, eating the leaves. Sagebrush also provides shelter during harsh weather conditions; the birds may seek shelter by making <a href="https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/snow"><strong>snow</strong></a> burrows and caves. In the spring, sage grouse become more active and make their way back to lek sites. Over the course of a year, a sage grouse may move as far as sixty-two miles between seasonal areas, but not all sage grouse migrate. Regardless of movements, sage grouse usually return to the same general area each year to breed and nest.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Threats to Populations</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Currently, greater sage grouse occupy approximately 56 percent of their former extent prior to European settlement, and Gunnison sage grouse occupy only 8 percent. There have been many contributing factors to observed population declines. The first was most likely the US westward expansion and settlement beginning in the 1800s. Conversion of land for agriculture, overgrazing by domestic livestock, an increase in nonnative plant species, and the development of towns all effectively reduced sage grouse habitat. Excessive hunting also had a significant role in decreasing some populations. While many of the threats are historical, current threats include oil and gas development, exurban sprawl, recreational activities, continued agricultural practices, and an increase in <strong>fire</strong> frequency. All of these threats reduce available sagebrush habitat either directly or by fragmenting and degrading habitats. For instance, sage grouse tend to avoid oil or gas wells and associated roads, which can make otherwise suitable habitat unsuitable. Invasive species, such as cheatgrass—in conjunction with climate change and drought—have led to an increase in fire frequency and intensity, which have reduced sagebrush habitat.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Populations of both species have declined enough to be considered for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act on multiple occasions. Federal protection for the greater sage grouse has been requested numerous times throughout its range, and in 2010 the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) found that classifying the greater sage grouse as endangered was “warranted but delayed” on account of higher conservation priorities. But in September 2015 the FWS deemed that federal protection was not warranted for greater sage grouse, due to extensive, collaborative efforts to protect sage grouse habitat. The effectiveness of these efforts will need to be evaluated in the future.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>The Gunnison sage grouse was removed from any federal protection in 2006, despite being recognized by the Audubon Society as one of the ten most-endangered bird species in North America. Protection of the Gunnison sage grouse was found warranted but delayed in 2010. The species was deemed endangered in 2013 but downgraded to threatened in 2014. As of fall 2015, the 2014 decision is being litigated. Greater sage grouse do not have a special status in Colorado, but Gunnison sage grouse is a species of special concern within the state.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Conservation and Management</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>There is a limited hunting season for greater sage grouse in Colorado, but Gunnison sage grouse cannot be legally harvested. Range-wide hunting is still allowed in eight of eleven states but banned in both Canadian provinces where the birds remain. Management agencies, such as <a href="/article/colorado-parks-and-wildlife"><strong>Colorado Parks and Wildlife</strong></a>, support maintaining and improving habitat through the alteration of grazing practices, restoration projects, and closing areas to hunting. Because much of the remaining sagebrush habitat is on private land, cooperation with private landowners is critical. In addition, federal funding aids habitat management and restoration projects on private lands through the enrollment of agricultural land for wildlife habitat or the establishment of conservation agreements to maintain or improve habitat for species under consideration for federal protection. Local working groups also help the Sage-grouse through voluntary changes in land-use regulations, area and road closures during sensitive seasons, public education, and other cooperation with federal and state agencies.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>In addition to conserving and improving habitat, local agencies and working groups monitor greater and Gunnison sage grouse during the breeding season. Lekking behavior in the spring provides a convenient opportunity to count males in order to track population size and yearly trends.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Without conservation, sage grouse may not be part of our future. Historically, sage grouse were an abundant resource for hunting and sustenance and may be able to return to the level of a stable resource with appropriate safeguards and actions. However, this could likely only occur in a few locations that feature vast expanses of undisturbed sagebrush habitat, which are increasingly difficult to find. From a recreational standpoint, viewing the early-morning breeding displays draws many bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. From a management and conservation standpoint, sage grouse are excellent indicators of sagebrush ecosystem health. If sage grouse populations are declining, other sagebrush-associated species are also likely to be declining.</p>&#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--node--field-author.html.twig x field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--field-author.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-above" id="id-field-author"> <div class="field__label" id="id-field-author">Author</div> <div class='field__items'> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-author"><a href="/author/zimmerman-shawna-j" hreflang="und">Zimmerman, Shawna J. </a></div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-author"><a href="/author/timmer-jennifer-m" hreflang="und">Timmer, Jennifer M. </a></div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-author"><a href="/author/aldridge-cameron-l" hreflang="und">Aldridge, Cameron L. </a></div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-author"><a href="/author/oyler-mccance-sara-j" hreflang="und">Oyler-McCance, Sara J. </a></div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-author"><a href="/author/braun-clait-e" hreflang="und">Braun, Clait E. </a></div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-author"><a href="/author/young-jessica-r" hreflang="und">Young, Jessica R. </a></div> </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-keyword--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--node--field-keyword.html.twig x field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--field-keyword.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-keyword field--type-entity-reference field--label-above" id="id-field-keyword"> <div class="field__label" id="id-field-keyword">Keywords</div> <div class='field__items'> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-keyword"><a href="/keyword/sage-grouse" hreflang="en">sage grouse</a></div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-keyword"><a href="/keyword/endangered-species" hreflang="en">endangered species</a></div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-keyword"><a href="/keyword/threatened-species" hreflang="en">threatened species</a></div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-keyword"><a href="/keyword/fish-and-wildlife" hreflang="en">fish and wildlife</a></div> </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links--inline.html.twig * links--node.html.twig * links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-references-html--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--node--field-references-html.html.twig x field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--field-references-html.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-references-html field--type-text-long field--label-above" id="id-field-references-html"> <div class="field__label" id="id-field-references-html">References</div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-references-html"><p>Cameron L. Aldridge, and M. S. Boyce, “Linking Occurrence and Fitness to Persistence: Habitat-Based Approach for Endangered Greater Sage-Grouse,” <em>Ecological Applications</em> 17 (2007).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Clait E. Braun, “Distribution and Status of Sage Grouse in Colorado,” <em>Prairie Naturalist</em> 27 (1995).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Clait E. Braun, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, J. A. Nehring, M. L. Commons, Jessica R. Young, and K. M. Potter, “The Historical Distribution of Gunnison Sage-Grouse in Colorado,” <em>Wilson Journal of Ornithology </em>126 (2014).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>J. W. Connelly and Clait E. Braun, “Long-Term Changes in Sage Grouse <em>Centrocercus</em></p>&#13; &#13; <p><em>Urophasianus</em> Populations in Western North America,” <em>Wildlife Biology</em> 3 (1997).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>J. W. Connelly, M. A. Schroeder, A. R. Sands, and Clait E. Braun, “Guidelines for</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Management of Sage Grouse Populations and habitat,” <em>Wildlife Society Bulletin</em> 28  (2000).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>J. A. Crawford, R. A. Olson, N. E. West, J. C. Mosley, M. A. Schroeder, T. D. Witson, R. F. Miller, M. A. Gregg, and C. S. Boyd, “Ecology and Management of Sage Grouse and Sage-Grouse habitat,” Journal of Range Management 57  (2004).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>S. T. Knick and J. W. Connelly, <em>Greater Sage-Grouse: Ecology and Conservation of a Landscape Species and Its Habitats</em>, (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>R. L. Patterson, <em>The Sage Grouse in Wyoming</em> (Denver: Sage Books, 1952).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>M. A. Schroeder, C. L. Aldridge, A. D. Apa, J. R. Bohne, Clait E. Braun, D. Bunnell, J. W. Connelly, P. Deibert, S. C. Gardner, M. A. Hilliard, S. M. McAdam, G. D. Kobriger,  C. W. McCarthy, J .J. McCarthy, D. L. Mitchell, E. V. Rickerson, and S. J. Stiver, “Distribution of Sage-Grouse in North America,” <em>Condor </em>106  (2004).</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Jessica R. Young, Clait E. Braun, S. J. Oyler-McCance, J. W. Hupp, and T. W. Quinn, “A New Species of Sage-grouse (Phasianidae: <em>Centrocercus</em>) From Southwestern Colorado,” <em>Wilson Bulletin</em> 112  (2000).</p>&#13; </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-additional-information-htm--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--node--field-additional-information-htm.html.twig x field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--field-additional-information-htm.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-additional-information-htm field--type-text-long field--label-above" id="id-field-additional-information-htm"> <div class="field__label" id="id-field-additional-information-htm">Additional Information</div> <div class="field__item" id="id-field-additional-information-htm"><p>All About Birds (Cornell University), “<a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gunnison_Sage-Grouse/id">Gunnison Sage-Grouse</a>.”</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Birds of North America, <a href="https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/home">Sage-grouse account</a>.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Colorado Parks and Wildlife, “<a href="http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Viewing/Watching-Grouse-Brochure.pdf%23search=sage-grouse%20viewing">Watching Grouse, Prairie Chickens &amp; Ptarmigan</a>,” June 2014.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNpWNJhlzVI">Gunnison Sage-Grouse</a>,” YouTube video, 3:25, posted by LabofOrnithology on March 6, 2013.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>“<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZSttPGQM1E">The Male Display</a>,” YouTube video, 3:07, posted by LabofOrnithology on March 11, 2015.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Western State Colorado University, “<a href="https://western.edu/academics/undergraduate/biology/gunnison-sage-grouse">Gunnison Sage-grouse</a>.”</p>&#13; </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-4th-grade--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--node--field-4th-grade.html.twig x field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--field-4th-grade.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-4th-grade field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item" id="id-field-4th-grade"><p>Sage grouse are a group of chicken-sized birds. They have unique breeding behavior.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Western Colorado is home to both species of sage grouse. There is the greater sage grouse and the Gunnison sage grouse.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Description</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>The scientific name of sage grouse is Centrocercus. Both birds have dark brown wings and bodies. Females of both species have dark gray, brown, and white feathers. Male sage grouse are larger and “showier.” Their feathers have markings females do not. Males have long, brown tail feathers with coarse black bars. Scale like white feathers cover the breast. They also have greenish-yellow air sacs on their chests used in mating displays. Male Gunnison sage grouse weigh about five pounds. Females weigh about two and a half pounds. Male greater sage grouse weigh between five and seven pounds. Female greater sage grouse weigh between three and four pounds.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>For many years, all sage grouse were thought to be the same species. In the 1970s, scientists noticed differences. Scientists discovered the sage grouse in southern Colorado was a different species. Those birds were named the Gunnison sage grouse. The larger-bodied sage grouse in the rest of the range were renamed greater sage grouse.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Sage grouse live in sagebrush rangelands across the Western United States. In Colorado, sage grouse live only in the western part of the state. The Colorado–Eagle River Valley seems to be the dividing line between the two species’ ranges. Greater sage grouse occupy sagebrush rangelands north of the river valley. Gunnison sage grouse live to the south. Larger populations of greater sage grouse occur in Grand, Jackson, and Moffat Counties. The largest population of Gunnison sage grouse occurs in Gunnison County.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Breeding Behavior</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Sage grouse have a lek mating system. A lek is formed in an area of short vegetation surrounded by sagebrush. Males gather during the spring. They compete for females by strutting. During the display, males fan their tail feathers while they inflate their air sacs. The sacs emit a popping sound. The sounds produced by Gunnison sage grouse are different from the greater sage grouse. Females from each species do not respond to the male sounds from the other.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Sage grouse are typically hard to find. However, lekking provides birders a chance to see both species in the wild. Colorado has viewing areas for greater sage grouse near the town of Walden.  The Gunnison sage grouse leks can be seen near the town of Gunnison.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Habitat Requirements</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Both birds’ habitat needs change throughout the year. In spring, sage grouse require areas of short vegetation for leks. These areas must be surrounded by sagebrush rangelands. The sagebrush surrounding leks helps females hide their nests from predators. They are the only parent to care for the brood of chicks. Sage grouse chicks rely on the surrounding area for food. They are not fed by their parents. The chicks eat insects.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>As the chicks grow, the hen moves the brood farther from the nest in search of food. During the winter, sage grouse rely solely on sagebrush shrubs for food. They eat the leaves. Sagebrush also provides shelter. The birds may make snow burrows and caves. In the spring, sage grouse become more active and make their way back to lek sites. Over the course of a year, a sage grouse may move as far as sixty-two miles between areas. Sage grouse usually return to the same general area each year to breed and nest.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Threats to Populations</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Currently, greater sage grouse occupy about 56 percent of their habitat prior to European settlement. The Gunnison sage grouse occupies only 8 percent. Many factors have contributed to population decline. The first was most likely settlement beginning in the 1800s. Overgrazing by livestock and the development of towns also reduced sage grouse habitat. Excessive hunting decreased some populations. Current threats include oil and gas development and fires.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Both species have been considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. In 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) found that classifying the greater sage grouse as endangered was “warranted but delayed”. But in September 2015, the FWS deemed that federal protection was not warranted due to efforts to protect habitat.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>The Gunnison sage grouse was removed from any federal protection in 2006. Protection of the Gunnison sage grouse was found warranted but delayed in 2010. The species was deemed endangered in 2013, but downgraded to threatened in 2014.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Conservation and Management</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>There is a limited hunting season for greater sage grouse in Colorado. The Gunnison sage grouse cannot be legally harvested.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Colorado Parks and Wildlife supports improving habitat through restoration projects. Much of the remaining sagebrush habitat is on private land. This makes cooperation with private landowners important.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Local agencies track the greater and Gunnison sage grouse during breeding season. Lekking behavior in the spring provides a convenient time to count the birds.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Without conservation, sage grouse may not be part of our future. In the past, sage grouse were available for hunting. They may be able to return to that level one day. However, this would likely happen in a few places that have large areas of undisturbed sagebrush habitat. Such habitat is hard to find.</p>&#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-8th-grade--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--node--field-8th-grade.html.twig x field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--field-8th-grade.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-8th-grade field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item" id="id-field-8th-grade"><p>Sage grouse are a group of chicken-sized birds with a unique breeding behavior. They depend on sagebrush shrubs for food and shelter. In the last century, human expansion has reduced the amount of sagebrush. This has resulted in population decline.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Western Colorado is home to both species of sage grouse. There is the greater sage grouse and the Gunnison sage grouse.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Description</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>The scientific name (genus) of sage grouse is Centrocercus. Both members of the genus have dark brown wings and bodies. Females of both species have dark gray, brown, and white feathers. Male sage grouse are larger and “showier.” Their plumage (feathers) has markings females do not. Males have long, brown tail feathers with coarse black bars and scale like white feathers covering the breast. They also have greenish-yellow air sacs on their chests used in mating displays. Male Gunnison sage grouse weigh about five pounds. Females weigh about two and a half pounds. Male greater sage grouse weigh between five and seven pounds. Female greater sage grouse weigh between three and four pounds.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>For many years, all sage grouse were thought to be the same species. Beginning in the 1970s scientists noticed differences between sage grouse in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah compared to the rest of the range. This led sage grouse in southern Colorado and southeastern Utah to be recognized as a separate species. They were named the Gunnison sage grouse. The larger-bodied sage grouse in the rest of the range were renamed greater sage grouse.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Historically, sage grouse occupied sagebrush rangelands across the Western United States. In Colorado, sage grouse live only in the western part of the state. The Colorado–Eagle River Valley seems to be the dividing line between the two species’ ranges. Greater sage grouse occupy sagebrush rangelands north of the river valley. Gunnison sage grouse live to the south. Larger populations of greater sage grouse occur in Grand, Jackson, and Moffat Counties. The largest population of Gunnison sage grouse occurs in Gunnison County. There are smaller populations in Saguache, Delta, Montrose, Mesa, Dolores, and San Miguel Counties.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Breeding Behavior</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Sage grouse have a lek mating system. A lek is typically formed in an area of short vegetation, surrounded by sagebrush. Males congregate during the spring to compete for breeding access to females by strutting. During the display, males fan their tail feathers while they inflate their air sacs, emitting a popping sound. The vocalizations produced by Gunnison sage grouse are different from that of greater sage grouse. Females from each species do not respond to the male vocalizations from the other.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Sage grouse are typically difficult to find. However, lekking provides birders a chance to see both species in the wild. Colorado has viewing areas for greater sage grouse near the town of Walden.  The Gunnison sage grouse leks can be seen near the town of Gunnison.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Habitat Requirements</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Although both species depend on sagebrush, their habitat needs change throughout the year. In spring, sage grouse require areas of short vegetation for leks. However, these areas must be surrounded by intact sagebrush rangelands. Sagebrush surrounding leks serves as cover for females to hide their nests from predators. The plant is also escape cover for displaying males when predators approach. For nesting, females generally select taller-than-average sagebrush shrubs for concealment. Females are the only parent to care for the brood of chicks. Sage grouse chicks rely on the surrounding area for food. They are not directly fed by their parents. The chicks eat insects.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>As the chicks grow, the hen moves the brood farther from the nest in search of food. In the fall, sage grouse seek lush forage upslope and on ridges. During the winter, sage grouse rely solely on sagebrush shrubs for food. They eat the leaves. Sagebrush also provides shelter during harsh weather. The birds may make snow burrows and caves. In the spring, sage grouse become more active and make their way back to lek sites. Over the course of a year, a sage grouse may move as far as sixty-two miles between areas. Sage grouse usually return to the same general area each year to breed and nest.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Threats to Populations</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Currently, greater sage grouse occupy about 56 percent of their habitat prior to European settlement. The Gunnison sage grouse occupies only 8 percent. There have been many contributing factors to population declines. The first was most likely settlement beginning in the 1800s. Overgrazing by domestic livestock and the development of towns reduced sage grouse habitat. Excessive hunting also had a decreased some populations. Current threats include oil and gas development and an increase in fire frequency. All of these threats reduce available sagebrush habitat. Sage grouse tend to avoid oil or gas wells, which can make otherwise suitable habitat unsuitable. Invasive species, such as cheatgrass—in conjunction with climate change and drought—have led to more fires. This has reduced sagebrush habitat.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Populations of both species have fallen enough to be considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act several times. In 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) found that classifying the greater sage grouse as endangered was “warranted but delayed”. But in September 2015, the FWS deemed that federal protection was not warranted due to efforts to protect habitat.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>The Gunnison sage grouse was removed from any federal protection in 2006. This was despite being recognized by the Audubon Society as one of the ten most-endangered bird species in North America. Protection of the Gunnison sage grouse was found warranted but delayed in 2010. The species was deemed endangered in 2013 but downgraded to threatened in 2014. Greater sage grouse do not have a special status in Colorado. However, the Gunnison sage grouse is a species of special concern within the state.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Conservation and Management</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>There is a limited hunting season for greater sage grouse in Colorado. The Gunnison sage grouse cannot be legally harvested. Range-wide hunting is still allowed in eight of eleven states.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Colorado Parks and Wildlife supports maintaining and improving habitat through restoration projects and closing areas to hunting. Because much of the remaining sagebrush habitat is on private land, cooperation with private landowners is critical. In addition, federal funding aids habitat management and restoration projects on private lands.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>In addition to conserving and improving habitat, local agencies monitor greater and Gunnison sage grouse during the breeding season. Lekking behavior in the spring provides a convenient time to count males in order to track population size.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Without conservation, sage grouse may not be part of our future. Historically, sage grouse were an abundant resource for hunting. They may be able to return to that level with appropriate safeguards and actions. However, this would likely happen in a few locations that have large areas of undisturbed sagebrush habitat. Such habitat is increasingly difficult to find.</p>&#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-10th-grade--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--node--field-10th-grade.html.twig x field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig * field--field-10th-grade.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-10th-grade field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item" id="id-field-10th-grade"><p>Sage grouse are a group of chicken-sized birds with a unique breeding behavior. They depend on sagebrush shrubs (genus Artemisia) for food and shelter throughout their life cycle. In the last century, human population expansion throughout western North America has reduced the amount of sagebrush and degraded and fragmented the remaining areas. Vanishing sagebrush has resulted in sage grouse (genus Centrocercus) population declines and conservation concerns.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Western Colorado is home to both species of sage grouse: greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Gunnison sage grouse (Centrocercus minimus). Populations throughout their range have declined sufficiently to warrant consideration for federal protection for both species under the Endangered Species Act.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Description</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>The scientific name (genus) of sage grouse is Centrocercus. Both members of the genus have dark brown wings and bodies. Females of both species have dark gray, brown, and white feathers covering the body and head. In addition to being larger in size, male sage grouse are “showier." They have plumage (feather) markings females do not possess. Males have long, brown tail feathers with coarse black bars. Scale like white feathers cover the breast and greenish-yellow air sacs on their chests are used in mating displays. Male Gunnison sage grouse weigh just under five pounds. Females weigh roughly two and a half pounds. Male greater sage grouse weigh between five and seven pounds. Females weigh between three and four pounds.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>For many years, all sage grouse were thought to be of one species. Beginning in the 1970s, scientists noticed differences between sage grouse in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah compared to the rest of the range. This led sage grouse in southern Colorado and southeastern Utah being recognized as a separate species: Gunnison sage grouse. The larger-bodied sage grouse in the rest of the range were renamed greater sage grouse.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Historically, sage grouse occupied sagebrush rangelands in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Arizona, and New Mexico. In Colorado, sage grouse occur only in the western portion of the state. The Colorado–Eagle River Valley seems to be the dividing line between the two species’ ranges. Greater sage grouse occupy sagebrush rangelands north of the river valley. Gunnison sage grouse live to the south. Larger populations of greater sage grouse occur in Grand, Jackson, and Moffat Counties. The largest population of Gunnison sage grouse occurs in Gunnison County. There are smaller populations in Saguache, Delta, Montrose, Mesa, Dolores, and San Miguel Counties.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Breeding Behavior</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Sage grouse have a lek mating system. A lek is typically formed in an area of short vegetation surrounded by sagebrush. Males congregate there during spring to compete for breeding access to females by strutting. During the display, males fan their tail feathers while they inflate their air sacs, emitting a popping sound. The vocalizations produced by Gunnison sage grouse are structurally different and slower than that of greater sage grouse. Vocalizations are different enough that females from each species do not respond to the male vocalizations from the other.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Sage grouse are typically difficult to observe, but lekking provides bird enthusiasts am opportunity to see both species in the wild. Colorado has designated viewing areas for greater sage grouse near the town of Walden, and for Gunnison sage grouse near the town of Gunnison.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Habitat Requirements</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Although both species depend on sagebrush, their habitat needs vary throughout the year. In spring, sage grouse require areas of short vegetation for leks. These areas must be surrounded by intact sagebrush rangelands. Sagebrush surrounding leks serves as cover for females to hide their nests from predators. Nesting females generally select taller-than-average sagebrush shrubs with greater shrub canopies and grass cover for concealment. Females are the only parent to care for the brood of chicks. Sage grouse chicks rely on the surrounding area for food. They are not directly fed by their parents. Early in the brooding period, hens and chicks are found in open shrub canopy areas that contain many different types of plants. These include soft flowering plants or forbs, as well as insects, which are eaten by chicks.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>As the chicks grow, the hen moves the brood farther from the nest in search of food, usually into wetter, low-lying areas. In the fall, sage grouse seek lush forage upslope and on ridges. During the winter, sage grouse rely solely on sagebrush shrubs for food, eating the leaves. Sagebrush also provides shelter during harsh weather conditions. The birds may seek shelter by making snow burrows and caves. In the spring, sage grouse become more active and make their way back to lek sites. Over the course of a year, a sage grouse may move as far as sixty-two miles between seasonal areas. Regardless of movements, sage grouse usually return to the same general area each year to breed and nest.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Threats to Populations</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>Currently, greater sage grouse occupy about 56 percent of their former extent prior to European settlement. The Gunnison sage grouse occupies only 8 percent. There have been many contributing factors to observed population declines. The first was most likely the US westward expansion and settlement beginning in the 1800s. Conversion of land for agriculture, overgrazing by domestic livestock, an increase in nonnative plant species, and the development of towns all effectively reduced sage grouse habitat. Excessive hunting also had a significant role in decreasing some populations. While many of the threats are historical, current threats include oil and gas development, exurban sprawl, recreational activities, and an increase in fire frequency. All of these threats reduce available sagebrush habitat. For instance, sage grouse tend to avoid oil or gas wells and associated roads, which can make otherwise suitable habitat unsuitable. Invasive species, such as cheatgrass—in conjunction with climate change and drought—have led to an increase in fire frequency and intensity. This has reduced sagebrush habitat.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Populations of both species have declined enough to be considered for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. Federal protection for the greater sage grouse has been requested numerous times throughout its range. In 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) found that classifying the greater sage grouse as endangered was “warranted but delayed” because there were higher conservation priorities. But in September 2015 the FWS deemed that federal protection was not warranted for greater sage grouse, due to extensive efforts to protect sage grouse habitat.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>The Gunnison sage grouse was removed from any federal protection in 2006, despite being recognized by the Audubon Society as one of the ten most-endangered bird species in North America. Protection of the Gunnison sage grouse was found warranted but delayed in 2010. The species was deemed endangered in 2013 but downgraded to threatened in 2014. Greater sage grouse do not have a special status in Colorado. Gunnison sage grouse is a species of special concern within the state.</p>&#13; &#13; <h2>Conservation and Management</h2>&#13; &#13; <p>There is a limited hunting season for greater sage grouse in Colorado, but Gunnison sage grouse cannot be legally harvested. Range-wide hunting is still allowed in eight of eleven states. Management agencies, such as Colorado Parks and Wildlife, support maintaining and improving habitat through the alteration of grazing practices, restoration projects, and closing areas to hunting. Because much of the remaining sagebrush habitat is on private land, cooperation with private landowners is critical. In addition, federal funding aids habitat management and restoration projects on private lands. Local working groups also help the Sage-grouse through voluntary changes in land-use regulations, area and road closures during sensitive seasons, and public education.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>In addition to conserving and improving habitat, local agencies and working groups monitor greater and Gunnison sage grouse during the breeding season. Lekking behavior in the spring provides a chance to count males. This helps track population size and yearly trends.</p>&#13; &#13; <p>Without conservation, sage grouse may not be part of our future. Historically, sage grouse were an abundant resource for hunting. They may be able to return to the level of a stable resource with appropriate safeguards and actions. However, this could likely only occur in a few locations that feature vast expanses of undisturbed sagebrush habitat. These areas are increasingly difficult to find. From a management and conservation standpoint, sage grouse are excellent indicators of sagebrush ecosystem health. If sage grouse populations are falling, other sagebrush-associated species are also likely to be declining.</p>&#13; </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/encyclopedia/templates/field/field--node--encyclopedia-article.html.twig' --> Tue, 17 May 2016 17:07:14 +0000 yongli 1397 at http://coloradoencyclopedia.org