Sage Grouse Videos

"Save the Sage" Video

"Save the Sage" is an 8-minute, 24-second video on the benefits of good range management to the sagebrush grassland habitat, and to the sage grouse and the livestock producers who depend upon it. This is a large file that may take several seconds to load. If you experience difficulties playing the video on-line, right-click on the link and save the target to your computer before playing. To request "Save the Sage" on DVD, contact us at publications.

If you encounter any problems with the files provided on this page, please contact Public Affairs at 406-587-6971.

The following videos require Windows Media Player.

Save the Sage (WMV; 9.5 MB)

Transcript of "Save the Sage" Video

Sage Grouse Video Clips

Taken by Bruce Waage
Petroleum County, Montana
April 3, 2008

Male sage grouse congregate at very specific locations each spring in a communal mating display. These sites are called dancing grounds or leks. Females are attracted to the "displaying" males and select the healthiest male to pass on those traits to her offspring. During the breeding season, male sage grouse gather in groups where they perform elaborate visual and auditory courtship displays. Males perform on leks for several hours in the early morning and evening. They strut around with their tails spread, repeatedly filling and emptying their air sacs with a popping sound, which can be heard from over a mile away. Unusual for grouse, the male sage grouse is twice as large as the female and has yellow eye combs, a black throat and bib, and a large white ruff on the breast. Males use their brightly colored yellow combs, olive-green air sacs and elongated tails in courtship displays. Both sexes have brown/gray plumage and black bellies. Male sage grouse establish individual display territories within the lek and solicit mating from March to May.

"Sage Grouse Video Clip A" shows two males strutting, popping air sacs, and spreading tails as they display for three females. The calling of meadowlarks as well as the popping of air sacs can be heard.

"Sage Grouse Video Clip B" shows two males flapping wings at each other in a territorial confrontation at the lek. A third near-by male does not participate. The sound of the flapping wings is quite loud.

Sage Grouse Video Clip A (WMV; 1.2 MB)

Sage Grouse Video Clip B (WMV; 924 KB)

< Back to Greater Sage Grouse and Grazing Management

Last Modified: 12/18/2008