Ground Birds - IV

Franklin's Spruce Grouse is a beautiful ground bird that lives in the coniferous forests of northern US and Canada. It is often called "Fools Hen" for not fleeing when approached by humans. While not on the Federal Endangered Species List, it is listed as endangered in New York and possibly other states. The New York population is estimated between 175 and 315. I suspect the populations in the other US states (Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine) are equally low.  The likely cause is the ease in which they can be hunted. In the last photo or a male in display, you can see the yellow air sac on the neck with an extensive white-feathered border.

Little Pend Orielle National Wildlife Refuge, Washington

Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Northern Idaho

Glacier National Park, Montana