The Grouse's Unique Mating Ritual _ America the Beautiful
Greater sage-grouse lie low and dine on the brush
for most of the year.
But come spring, as many as 70 or more males
meet up to perform one of the most extraordinary mating
rituals in all of North America.
The more experienced males grab prized spots
in the middle of the group.
Then, a wiggle in their walk, and a jiggle in their giblets,
and it's game on.
They gulp a gallon of air into pouches on their chest,
breathe in, breathe out, breathe in,
breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, up to 10 times a minute.
Those that can't make the cut quickly get the boot.
After all that, it's still up to the females
to choose their man.
Most will pick the same lucky guy,
and we'll make it clear when they're ready.
And that's it.
All that work for a fleeting moment of fancy.
He'll have no further contact with her or their young.