The sharp-tailed grouse, also known as the sharptail or fire grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus), is a medium-sized prairie grouse found throughout Alaska, much of Northern and Western Canada, and parts of the Western and Midwestern United States. It is the provincial bird of Saskatchewan.
Adults have a distinctive plumage with mottled dark and light browns against a white background. The two central tail feathers are square-tipped, giving the bird its name. Adult males have a yellow comb over their eyes and a violet display patch on their neck, distinguishing them from prairie chickens. Females are smaller with regular horizontal markings on the tail feathers.
The gorgeous mottled and speckled feathers of the sharptail grouse are valued for various uses, including soft hackles, tails, beards, wing-cases, and as a substitute for golden plover in classic wet flies. The feathers are particularly suitable for larger soft hackle and baitfish patterns.
While obtaining these feathers can be challenging, it is not impossible for enthusiasts and fly tiers.
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