Falcipennis
canadensis
(Spruce
Grouse)
Physical
Description:
15-17" (38-43 cm). Brown and white
mottling and barring all over that darkens to black
at the throat in the male and at the tail in both sexes. Tail ends with a brown
or buff
tip. Male also has distinct
white tipped feathers on breast and tail; red eye combs.
Similar Species- Ruffed Grouse
Song:
Deeply, trilled, dove-like call ending with a
donkey ee-a. Wings make sharp clap in flight displays.
Distribution:
Found from central Alaska, east through parts of
Canada to Labrador, and south to northeastern Oregon, central Idaho, western Montana,
northwestern Wyoming, northern Montana, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and parts of New
England.
forests (primarily spruce
and pine), especially in forests with dense grass and shrub understories.
Diet:
Eats needles and buds of spruce, jack
pine, fir, and larch. Also consumes berries, seeds, fungi, leaves, and some
insects as available. In Ontario study, spring diet consisted mainly of conifer
foliage, flowers, fruits, foliage of ground plants, grit, and arthropods.
Ecology:
Nests in depression on ground, often near
fallen tree. Takes food from foliage, or forages on ground. Primarily arboreal. Usually found alone or
in small, family flocks. In southwestern Alberta
study, spring population density fluctuated from 5-30/ha
over 21 yr; population decline was attributed to maturation of forest. Populations
may be highest in earlier stages of post-fire succession.
Reproduction
Female incubates 5-10 eggs (usually 6-7)
for 23-24 days. Hatching occurs from late June-early July in Alberta. Young
are tended by female. Females reach sexual maturity as yearlings. Cold, wet conditions
during incubation result in poor productivity. In Ontario study, large clutch size was associated with
high intake of flowers of trailing arbutus and moss spore capsules; females
relied on spring diet and stored reserves for nutrients required for clutch formation.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABNLC09010 |
| Status: | Game species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S4 |
Important
State References:
No references are available at this time.