Sharp-tailed grouse
Tympanuchus phasianellus
Identification Tips:
- Sexes similar
- Medium-sized, stocky, round-winged, chicken-like bird
- Short crest on crown
- Narrow, pointed tail with white outer tail feathers
- Whitish plumage with darker brown, black and tan chevrons about head,
neck, back and underparts
- Legs feathered to base of toes
Adult male:
- Yellow comb over eye
- Pinkish to pale violet neck patch exposed when displaying
Adult female:
- Lacks yellow comb and neck patch
Similar species:
Female Ring-necked Pheasant is smaller-headed, with a longer tail that
lacks white outer feathers. Prairie-Chickens have barred underparts and
shorter tails. Ruffed Grouse is richer brown with a fan-shaped tail that has
a black subterminal band.