Watercolor portrait of Sooty Grouse (Dendragapus fuliginosus)

Sooty Grouse

Dendragapus fuliginosus
It lives year-round in the Pacific coast… Look for it in conifer forests, woodland… Fairly common Spring hooting display

Learn to identify the Sooty Grouse by ear. Master the "hoo... hoo... hoo-hoop" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“hoo... hoo... hoo-hoop”

What the Sooty Grouse sounds like

A big, chunky forest grouse of western mountains, the Sooty Grouse often melts into the shadows until it suddenly blasts up from underfoot with a startling whir. In spring, males perch in conifers and send deep, hollow hoots rolling through the woods.

“hoo... hoo... hoo-hoop”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A deep, low series of hollow hoots given by displaying males, often from a conifer branch. The sound can seem ventriloquial, as if the whole forest is softly booming. Often written as “hoo... hoo... hoo-hoop”.
Don't confuse with:The Dusky Grouse — usually found farther inland and on the east side of major mountain ranges where ranges approach.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in conifer forests, woodland edges, brushy mountain slopes, and openings near cover. It favors places with a mix of trees, berries, and quiet ground to forage on.

Spring is the best time to notice them, when males hoot from branches at dawn and show off swollen neck sacs. In summer and fall they skulk on the ground, and in winter they often loaf high in evergreens, nearly invisible.

Similar species

Dusky Grouse

Usually found farther inland and on the east side of major mountain ranges where ranges approach.

Ruffed Grouse

Smaller and shorter-tailed, with a more rounded tail and obvious dark subterminal tail band.

Spruce Grouse

Smaller and more compact, often in boreal forest rather than Pacific mountain forest.

Sooty Grouse song FAQ

What does a Sooty Grouse sound like?
A deep, low series of hollow hoots given by displaying males, often from a conifer branch. The sound can seem ventriloquial, as if the whole forest is softly booming. Listen for the "hoo... hoo... hoo-hoop" phrase.
How do I tell a Sooty Grouse from a Dusky Grouse by sound?
Dusky Grouse: Usually found farther inland and on the east side of major mountain ranges where ranges approach.; Males often look grayer and less richly sooty overall.; Range is one of the best clues: Sooty Grouse is the Pacific-slope bird..
When is the best time to hear a Sooty Grouse?
Spring is the best time to notice them, when males hoot from branches at dawn and show off swollen neck sacs. In summer and fall they skulk on the ground, and in winter they often loaf high in evergreens, nearly invisible.