Dusky Grouse

Dendragapus obscurus

Meet the Dusky Grouse, one of the largest Grouses in North America. Fun fact #1? Until recently it was thought to be a subspecies of the Blue Grouse. But the Blue Grouse is actually no more. DNA analysis split it up into two full-fledged species-- the Dusky Grouse and the Sooty Grouse.

These birds can be found in the Rocky Mountains of North America, and their habitat depends on the time of years. During the winter they live near-exclusively in the coniferous forests, but during the summer breeding season they will live in grasslands and low, dry mountain forests.

The Dusky Grouse has a really curious anatomical feature. Most bird species have about 10 tail feathers, and that number is the same bird to bird. The Dusky Grouse has anywhere from 15 to 22 tail feathers-- a huge variance!

Male and female Dusky Grouses are different in appearance. Females are grey-brown ans speckled, while males are darker brown and have a bare purple throat sack ringed with white feathers. They also have an eye-wattle that varies from yellow to red.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Western North America
Size : Length up to 18in (45cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Galliformes
Family : Phasianidae -- Genus : Dendragapus-- Species : D. obscurus
Image :  National Park Service

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Grey Junglefowl

Gallus sonneratii

The Grey Junglefowl is a wild chicken that is closely related to the Red Junglefowl-- the bird from which domesticated chickens descend from.

Like its cousin, the Grey Junglefowl lives in southern Asia, specifically in India, where is is endemic. They live in both dense and open areas, and are also found near human settlements. Because of their ability to adapt to human-shaped environments, the Grey Junglefowl aren't in any major conservation trouble.

You can identify these birds by the mottled brown and black feathers that give them a greyish appearance. Males also sport sleek black tails and a red crest-- though the crest and wattle aren't as large as those found in their relatives.

Grey Junglefowl feed on all sorts of things, including insects, berries, grains, and seeds. They breed once a year, usually sometimes between February and May, and produce up to 7 offspring per clutch.

Grey Junglefowl can be kept in captivity, and will often breed and produce hybrids with other Junglefowl, or with Domestic Chickens.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : India
Size : Length up to 18in (43cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Galliformes
Family : Phasianidae -- Genus : Gallus -- Species : G. sonneratii

Image : Der Irbis

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