Lack of wariness is accentuated in these birds to a degree which would prove fatal to survival if their habitat were not isolated and the young less numerous. The report of a small bore rifle does not disturb their equanimity and often they will remain perched after several shots have been fired by an indifferent marksman.
Strutting of males is pompous and amusingly dignified and they have muscular control over sections of the tail feathers, as proved by their opening and shutting each half alternately.
Their habits and breeding are similar to other members of the genus.
Southern Alaska, central British Columbia and Alberta; south to Oregon, Idaho and Montana.