Poultry
Centrocercus urophasianus
A tier
Centrocercus urophasianus is the greater sage-grouse of Western sagebrush steppe. Meat is dark and distinctively flavoured by sagebrush diets—an acquired, powerfully regional taste that must be cooked with care and often strong accompaniments. Younger birds can be roasted; many cooks prefer braising or sausage-making for mature birds. Legal status and conservation limit culinary supply; when available, treat as rare Western game.
Also known as: Centrocercus urophasianus, Greater sage-grouse species
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Sage-grouse were important game for Indigenous peoples of the Intermountain West.
Settlers hunted sage-grouse extensively on the plains and basins.
Population declines triggered major conservation debates.
Strict management made legal table birds uncommon outside limited hunts.