How to identify it
Large grouse with a long, spiky tail. [1]
Male: white breast contrasting with a black bib and black belly; two yellow air sacs inflated in display. [1]
Female: plainer, told by large size, long tail and dark belly patch. [1]
Compared with the gunnison sage-grouse: Gunnison is smaller, with bolder pale tail bars, a longer head plume and a different display; their ranges do not overlap. [1]
Species it is confused with
Check these before deciding what you are looking at. If you are not certain what it is, do not shoot.
- Gunnison sage-grouse · Centrocercus minimus
- Sharp-tailed grouse · Tympanuchus phasianellus
Field notes
- Identification Do not identify Greater sage-grouse from colour alone. Compare structure, size, range and the listed similar species before making a field decision.[1]
Where it lives
Sagebrush plains, high valleys, mesas and foothills; found only near sagebrush and needs access to water. [1]
How it behaves
Males display on traditional leks, puffing the white chest, inflating air sacs and fanning the tail with loud pops and bubbling sounds. [1]
Where it is listed for legal take
These authorities list this species for legal take in their own regulations.
Where legal take is listed
- Colorado — hunting · 2 CCR 406-3 Chapter W-3 Furbearers and Small Game, Except Migratory Birds (07/16/2026; eff. 2026-09-01)
- Idaho — hunting · Upland Game, Turkey & Furbearer 2026 & 2027 Seasons & Rules
- Montana — hunting · 2026 Upland Game Bird Hunting Regulations
- Nevada — hunting · CR 26-13 2026-27 & 2027-28 Seasons, Bag Limits ... Upland Game Birds, Rabbits, Wild Turkey, Furbearers
- Oregon — hunting · 2026-27 Oregon Game Bird Hunting Regulations (official ODFW booklet)
- Utah — hunting · 2026-27 Waterfowl, Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook
- Wyoming — hunting · WGFC Ch. 11 Upland Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Seasons (dated Apr 22 2026)
Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.
Where it is found
Sagebrush regions of the western US and western Canada; it has disappeared from much of its former range.
Sources
Every claim above is attributed to one of these published sources.
National Audubon Society · reviewed 2026-09-30
National Audubon Society