Spruce Grouse
Falcipennis
canadensis
Core Washington range in mountains across northern tier of counties, from Cascade crest to northeastern corner of state; also occurs sparingly along east slope of Cascades south to Yakima County. Status poorly known in Kittitas County, but appears to be rare breeder in forests at middle to high elevations; single "confirmed" BBA record in 1999 near Mount Clifty. Better studied in Yakima County, where optimal habitat is described as subalpine fir forest at 4,200–5,700 feet elevation with groundcover of grouseberry (Stepniewski 1999).
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