The greater sage-grouse inhabits sagebrush steppe throughout the Great Basin, from Washington to Southern Utah.  Available habitat has declined substantially and continues to be impacted by impacts from development, livestock grazing, oil and gas development, and agriculture.  Sage-grouse depend almost entirely on sagebrush habitat for food and cover.  

Sage-grouse are well camouflaged and tend to be solitary, except in the spring when they congregate for an elaborate breeding display.  Those people lucky enough to witness this beautiful and somewhat comical display will understand why this charismatic resident of sagebrush lands needs to be protected.  The male sage grouse gather at breeding grounds, called leks, where they strut about, fanning their long, spiked tails, puffing up their breasts, and making clucking sounds.  Females choose the most attractive males to mate with, and then go off to nest and raise their young on their own.

Despite three separate petitions to list the sage-grouse as threatened or endangered, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that the species did not warrant listing at this time.  This finding was partly a political decision, as States argued that they could do a sufficient job conserving sage-grouse through collaborative strategies and partnerships.   Despite these good intentions, sage-grouse populations are still declining.  In Oregon, impacts from off-road vehicle use, cattle grazing, and development disturb lek sites and contribute to habitat fragmentation.