A bird of a different feather: DNA research reveals new, yet familiar species

Product Type: Science Feature

Year: 1999

Author(s): Oyler-McCance, S. and M. Banowetz

Pages: 2

Suggested Citation: Oyler-McCance, S. and M. Banowetz. 1999. A bird of a different feather: DNA research reveals new, yet familiar species. http://www.fort.usgs.gov/resources/spotlight/grouse/.

Abstract

In the sagebrush ecosystem of southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, a new species of bird has been discovered. Formally, the new species will be known as Centrocercus minimus because of its relatively small size, but for many it will be the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, named for the area of Colorado where it was discovered. The Gunnison Sage-Grouse is not a particularly secretive bird, neither a tree-dweller nor a night bird, and is roughly the size of a chicken, yet just recently did it achieve species status...