Description: The Gunnison Sage-grouse is a newly-classified, unique species of sage-grouse found south of the Colorado River. They are about one-third smaller than the typical sage grouse, and males have more distinct, white tail feathers and filoplume. Female Gunnison and typical sage grouse have nearly the same plumage, but the female Gunnison is again about one-third smaller than other sage grouse.
Range: Historically, Gunnison Sage-grouse were found throughout the southwestern portion of Colorado and the southeastern Utah. Approximately 3,500 breeding Gunnison Sage-grouse occur among 7 separate populations throughout SW Colorado and SE Utah. The largest population, about 2,500 birds, inhabits the Gunnison Basin.
The separate populations in Colorado are: Pinion Mesa, Crawford, San Miguel Basin, Gunnison Basin, Dove Creek and Poncha Pass. The Utah population is near Monticello.
Habitat: The Gunnison Sage-grouse requires a variety of habitats such as large expanses of sage with a diversity of grasses and forbs and healthy riparian ecosystems.
Diet: The Gunnison Sage-grouse is quite dependent on sagebrush. In the fall and winter, the leathery leaves of sagebrush are one of its only foods.
Reproduction: Male Gunnison Sage-grouse conduct an elaborate display when trying to attract females to breeding grounds, or leks. They will strut, flap their wings against their white pouches and utter a distinctive series of sounds by vocalizing and popping two air sacs within their pouches. Nesting begins in mid-April and continues into July. Females typically lay six to eight eggs, which are incubated for 25 to 27 days.
Endangered status: The Gunnison Sage-grouse is a species of special concern in Colorado and is a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. Housing and human development, livestock grazing, water diversion projects and increased deer and elk populations have all contributed to the loss of habitat for the Gunnison Sage-grouse. The Colorado Wildlife Commission eliminated hunting in areas occupied by Gunnison Sage-grouse in 2000.