Food Habits of Juvenile Sage Grouse

Abstract

This study indicated the importance of forbs to sage grouse chicks. Only during the first week of a sage grouse's life did insects predominate in the diet. After that week, forbs became the most important food. Shrubs were taken in small amounts at first but progressively increased in importance as the chicks grew older. In sage grouse management, it is important that we recognize that forbs are a necessary part of the habitat.