July 21, 1805, north of Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Montana.
Male's sooty-gray plumage sets off yellow-orange comb over eye. Each side of neck has white-based feathers over an inflatable bare patch. Length: 15.5–21 in (39-53 cm).
Male gives a series of deep hoots, whoop, whoop, whoop, whoop, whoop, increasing in tempo and volume.
Burned areas, brush in coastal rain forest; montane forests, slashes, and subalpine forest clearings.
Resident from southeastern Alaska and Northwest Territories south to California, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
In winter this grouse feeds exclusively on conifer needles; its summer diet consists of insects, seeds, and berries.
