The Dance of the Sharptail

Found across North Dakota, sharp-tailed grouse gather on leks (dancing grounds) each spring where males display at dawn and dusk.

The exhibition is a ritualized display that establishes territorial boundaries and advertises the location of the lek to females.

Vegetation and topography play a role in the selection of lek locations, which are generally used year after year.

The birds prefer areas with low grass height and an easy view of the surrounding area to better detect approaching predators.