Galliformes / Phasianidae / Tetrastes
Chinese Grouse
Tetrastes sewerzowi · 斑尾榛鸡
Introduction
Smallest grouse species, endemic to China. Inhabits mountainous coniferous and deciduous forests between 2,400 and 4,300 m elevation. Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Description
Average body length is 327–384 mm for females and 355–403 mm for males. Mass ranges from 270–407 g for females and 279–390 g for males. Plumage is mostly brown with white and black patterning on the belly. Males possess a black chin patch and a more prominent red comb above the eyes; females lack the chin patch and have a less distinct comb.
Identification
Resembles hazel grouse but differs in plumage coloration and pattern. Key marks include a black chin patch in males and red combs above the eyes in both sexes. Vocalizations are less complex than related species, described as a whirring, bi-syllabic flutter-jump for territory defense and nasal clucks for courtship.
Distribution & Habitat
Endemic to China, found in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. Distribution covers approximately 155,000 km². Habitat requires coniferous trees for cover and deciduous trees and shrubs for food, primarily in mountains at 2,400–4,300 m elevation.
Behavior & Ecology
Diet consists mainly of willow buds and twigs in winter; females add dragon spruce seeds, invertebrates, and forbs during breeding season. Breeding occurs March–May. Males defend territories with vocalizations and displays, including fanning tail feathers and fluffing plumage. Pairs remain together until the end of the season. Females lay 5–8 light yellow eggs with brown spots, incubating them for 27–29 days. Chicks follow the female for 2–3 months.
Conservation
Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List with a declining population trend. Considered endangered in the China Red Data Book. Primary threats are habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation. Conservation efforts include reducing logging to stabilize populations.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Tetrastes
Subspecies (2)
-
Tetrastes sewerzowi secundus
montane forest and scrub of eastern Tibet, eastern Qinghai, northwestern Yunnan, and western Sichuan (south-central China)
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
