Game Birds of the World

Like prairie-chickens, sharp-tailed grouse are lek-forming North American grassland birds. The general social organization of sharp-tailed grouse and prairie-chickens is nearly identical, the only major difference being the nature of the male displays performed on the "dancing ground." Instead of foot-stamping in place like prairie-chickens, the male moves forward in a circular pattern with his wings rigidly outstretched, his tail cocked and shaken vigorously in rhythm with his stepping movements. The noise produced is primarily mechanical, as a result of the tail feathers being scraped over one another, and the feet alternately striking the ground. Males have several calls as well, and perform a vocal "cooing" display that is comparable to the "booming" and "gobbling" of the prairie-chickens, and involves neck inflation and brief exposure of purplish skin patches.

The eggs are laid on an approximately daily basis until the clutch of around 11–12 is complete. Incubation thereafter requires 23–24 days. After the brood has hatched, the nest site is deserted rapidly and the brood is led to areas where insects and succulent green foods are available. By the time they are ten days old the chicks are flying very short distances, and after 6–8 weeks they are essentially independent of their mother.