Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Gunison Sage-Grouse
Scientific name:	Centrocercus minimus
Date:	4/4/24
Time:	7:20 AM
Length of time observed:	35 Minutes
Number:	5
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Male and Female
Location:	San Juan County
County:
Latilong:
Elevation:	Approximately 7000'
Distance to bird:	Within 100 yards
Optical equipment:	Individual binoculars, scope, and long lenses (600mm)
Weather:	Around 40F, light wind
Light Conditions:	Morning sun
Description: Size of bird:	Slightly smaller than Greater Sage-Grouse
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Grouse
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Black, white, and gray overall with yellowish comb above eye
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Tail feathers of the displaying male included broad pale banding, causing the tail to appear more pale than the tail feathers of Greater Sage-Grouse. The black filoplumes were very prominent as the male displayed, sometimes standing straight up as can be seen in attached photos. The relatively soft display vocalizations or acoustical components made by the males matched the Sibley recording. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Swishing and water drop sounds heard as the male displayed for a female.
Behavior:	Displaying as shown in photos
Habitat:	Tall grass and scattered sagebrush
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Greater Sage Grouse is similar, but the prominent black filoplumes, broad pale banding in the tail, and softer vocalizations were noticeably different from Greater.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	First time observation for each of us
References consulted:	Birds of the World, Sibley app, contacts with Utah DWR
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Terry Reid, James Loveless, and Jeff Cooper
Observer's address:
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	5/8/24
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: