Animal Sacrifices

Author notes

sage grouse

Emily K

on April 15, 2007

Sage grouse, like peafowl, have very elaborate males and very plain females. The males have two sacs on their throat that they rapidly puff out, which creates a sound that carries for miles. They do this repeatedly during elaborate courtship dances, in which females select the male whose dance they like best. Unfortunately for male sage grouse, they are also prime targets for predators. Female sage grouse have excellent camouflage and a higher survival rate, and outnumber the males.