The Gunnison grouse, Gunnison sage-grouse or lesser sage-grouse is a species of grouse endemic to the United States. It is similar to the closely related greater sage-grouse in appearance, but about a third smaller in size, with much thicker plumes behind the head; it also has a less elaborate courtship dance. It is restricted in range to southwestern Colorado and extreme southeastern Utah, with the largest population residing in the Gunnison Basin region in Colorado. Despite being native to a country where the avifauna is relatively well known, it was overlooked until the 1990s due to the similarities with the sage grouse, and only described as a new species in 2000—making it the first new avian species to be described from the USA since the 19th century. The description of C. minimus as a separate species is supported by a molecular study of genetic variation, showing that gene flow between the large-bodied and the small-bodied birds is absent.
Region
Southwestern United States
Typical Environment
Occurs in fragmented sagebrush-steppe centered in southwestern Colorado with a small extension into extreme southeastern Utah. Uses extensive big sagebrush flats for cover, winter forage, and nesting. Open, sparsely vegetated leks are used for courtship displays, often adjacent to denser sagebrush stands. Broods shift to wetter meadows and riparian edges with abundant forbs and insects in late spring and summer. The species’ distribution is highly patchy and sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Altitude Range
1900–2900 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recognized as a distinct species only in 2000, it was the first new bird species described from the United States since the 19th century. Males perform dramatic lek displays at dawn in spring, fanning spiky tails, raising thick black head plumes, and inflating lemon-yellow air sacs that make popping and swishing sounds. The species is tightly tied to sagebrush habitats, which provide both cover and critical winter food.
Temperament
secretive and wary, males conspicuous on leks
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it is generally dispersed in small groups that use dense sagebrush for cover. In spring, males gather at traditional leks to display for females, which visit briefly to choose mates. Nests are shallow ground scrapes under sagebrush; females alone incubate and rear the brood.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males produce a sequence of soft coos, low pops, and hollow booms created by inflating and releasing air from their yellow chest sacs. Displays are accompanied by audible wing swishes and tail rustles, especially at dawn.
