Greater Sage-Grouse

Species
Greater Sage-Grouse

Species
Greater Sage-Grouse

Greater Sage-Grouse

Top
Facts
Why They Matter
Threats
What WWF is Doing
How You Can Help

Facts

Status
Near Threatened
Population
100,000 to 500,000
Scientific Name
Centrocercus urophasianus
Height
2 feet
Weight
2-7 pounds
Length
21-30 inches
Habitats
Grasslands

Greater sage-grouse were once found across 13 western U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces. Unfortunately, because of oil and gas development, conversion of land for agricultural use, climate change and human development, sage-grouse only inhabit half their historic range. Well known for their spectacular mating dances performed on specific mating grounds called "leks," these large birds are icons in the western U.S. and Canada.

Places
Northern Great Plains

Browse Photos & Videos

Ranchers of the Northern Great Plains provide a safe haven for grassland birds

WWF’s Northern Great Plains program has begun to look more closely at the role that grassland songbirds play on ranchland throughout the region.

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Why They Matter

Sage-grouse are indicators of healthy, intact sagebrush habitat. The protection of sage-grouse impacts the other species that share the same habitat, such as pronghorn and songbirds.

Threats

Population 100,000 to 500,000
Extinction Risk Near Threatened
1. EX
  Extinct
  
  No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
2. EW
  Extinct in the Wild
  
  Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
3. CR
  Critically Endangered
  
  Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
4. EN
  Endangered
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
5. VU
  Vulnerable
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
6. NT
  Near Threatened
  
  Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
7. LC
  Least Concern
  
  Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened

Male greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) displays his feathers and dances for the female as part of the mating ritual. WWF project site, Montana, Northern Great Plains, United States

Oil and gas development disrupts the landscape and the sage-grouse's ability to reproduce. Predators often perch on the energy towers which is intimidating for the birds. Loud sounds from the towers also disrupt the grouse's ability to call for mates.

What WWF Is Doing

Greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in mid-flight. WWF project site, Montana, Northern Great Plains, United States.

WWF conducts research to understand how climate change conditions will affect the greater sage-grouse and its habitat in the future. The information will help to identify ways to conserve sage-grouse populations in the Northern Great Plains.