Dusky grouse, also known as blue grouse, are a species of forest grouse found in western North America. Their conservation status and rarity has been debated over the years. Here is an in-depth look at the dusky grouse and whether they are considered a rare bird species.
Quick Facts About Dusky Grouse
Here are some key facts about dusky grouse:
- Scientific name: Dendragapus obscurus
- Other common names: blue grouse, sooty grouse
- Size: 16-20 inches long
- Color: Males are gray-blue, females are brown with white spots
- Habitat: Coniferous forests of western North America
- Diet: Needles, buds, leaves, berries, seeds, insects
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years in the wild
Dusky Grouse Population and Distribution
Dusky grouse have a wide distribution across western North America. Their range extends from southeastern Alaska through western Canada and the western United States. Here is a map showing their range:
Within their broad geographic range, dusky grouse live in coniferous forests dominated by trees like Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir. They are found at elevations ranging from sea level to 10,000 feet.
Across their range, dusky grouse are considered common and their populations appear stable. In Alaska and Canada, their numbers are estimated at over 3 million total birds. In the western United States, populations fluctuate but are generally resilient. For example, a survey in Oregon estimated around 270,000 dusky grouse in 2019.
Threats and Conservation Status
Dusky grouse populations can be impacted by habitat loss from logging, wildfires, and development. The birds are also hunted recreationally throughout their range. However, regulated hunting is not considered a threat to dusky grouse populations overall.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes dusky grouse as a species of Least Concern. They are considered to have an extremely large range and a large overall population that is stable. Dusky grouse are not listed as threatened or endangered on any federal or international lists.
Are Dusky Grouse Rare?
Based on their widespread distribution, large total population, and stable numbers, dusky grouse are generally not considered rare across most of their range. However, their status can vary locally in parts of their distribution.
Local Rarity
In some peripheral or isolated parts of their range, such as Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada, dusky grouse may occur in lower densities and be considered locally rare. Their preferred high elevation habitat can be naturally patchy in these areas.
Dusky grouse have also declined significantly in some portions of the Pacific Northwest, including parts of Oregon and Washington. Habitat loss appears to be the primary cause. This local decline means dusky grouse may be uncommon and locally rare in parts of this region compared to historic levels.
| State | Conservation Status |
|---|---|
| Oregon | Sensitive – Declining |
| Washington | State Monitor |
While not yet warranting threatened or endangered status, wildlife managers in parts of the Pacific Northwest are monitoring dusky grouse populations closely due to ongoing declines.
Seasonal Fluctuations
Dusky grouse numbers also fluctuate seasonally as the birds move between higher summer and lower winter habitats. In winter, dusky grouse may congregate in lower valleys and foothills in high densities. This seasonal movement can make them appear locally rare or absent from higher elevation summering grounds during the winter.
Future Outlook and Threats
Climate change has been identified as an emerging long-term threat to dusky grouse populations. Changing weather patterns and more frequent severe wildfires could impact their preferred habitat in coniferous forests. Hotter, drier conditions may also affect survival rates.
Additional habitat loss from expanding human development, especially in forested mountain regions, also has the potential to threaten dusky grouse populations in the future. Careful logging practices that maintain diverse forest structure can help provide quality habitat.
Ongoing monitoring and adaptive management of hunting regulations will also be important to ensure sustainable populations. Coordinated conservation efforts across the species’ range will help ensure dusky grouse remain common and widespread into the future.
Conclusion
In summary, dusky grouse are generally abundant and not considered globally rare. Their large total population and vast range point to a secure overall species. However, localized rarity and declines warrant continued monitoring, especially in parts of the Pacific Northwest. Threats like climate change and habitat alteration highlight the need for proactive conservation of this important gamebird species moving forward.
