HI:
After learning about the Blue Grouse RE-split, I did some digging into my
collection of old bird books and came up with this from Jewett et al
(1953) page 200:
" Note. We have found that the characteristics of the blue grouse of the
Pacific Coastal region (Sooty Grouse) intergrade completely with those of
the Rocky Mountain region (Dusky Grouse) and so can see no reason for
maintaining them as distinct species. The area of intergradation is in the
mountains of northern Okanogan County."
I recall discussing this with Dennis Paulson at a WOS meeting in the
late 1980's at the Burke Museum. Dennis showed me a blue grouse in the
Burke's collection that was intermediate, but I can't remember where it
was collected ( Dennis, do you remember?). According to the range maps for
this state (Jewett and Wahl et al books) The two species occur in Okanogan
County but I can't tell if/where the dividing line is? Jewett places it
western Okanogan County, while Wahl's et al book puts it in the central
part of the county. Bent's gallinaceous volume (page 103) mentions how to
tell them apart(by differences in air sacs, voice and tail). He also
mentions seeing them in Seattle in 1911! Madge and McGowan's 2002 Grouse
book (page 360) also mentions differences including 20 tail feathers for
Dusky Grouse vs. 18 in Sooty Grouse.
The question I have is that I recall seeing blue grouse near Slate
Peak in Okanogan County in the late 1980's. I didn't note what type it
was. Has anyone seen blue grouse in this area and if so what species?

--

Ian Paulsen
Bainbridge Island, WA, USA
A.K.A.: "Birdbooker"
"Rallidae all the way!"