Northern Great Plains (USA) - Gray Partridge or Sharp-tailed Grouse (1 Viewer)

[brnpelican]

What I saw doesn't seem to match either species, Gray Partridge or Sharp-tailed Grouse (fanned tail with whitish corners??) Can you make sense of what these birds were, based on behavior, habitat, calls, etc. and tell me why?

I was in the badlands of Eastern Montana on a day in mid-December 10 years ago. 16 grouse flushed simultaneously, 2 more flushed separately in the next minute. Grouse type birds with fanned, not pointed, tail. Backs were browner than the wings, which were grayer. I did not see the heads well. Did not see underparts. Tails seemed to have whitish corners but the tails are supposed to be rusty in Gray Partridge. ??? Were the birds Sharp-tailed Grouse with pointed tails not visible due to distance and/or light?

Habitat in general area was badlands/grassland with coulee. Immediate habitat was grassy. Called "tuk" before and while flushing.

I've searched for calls online but this has not helped me with an ID.

Thank you.

Scott Baron
Maryland, USA

 

[littlemarshmallow]

Probably a Gray Partridge at least by call. They make this call when flushed. Also Sharp-tailed Grouse are usually not found in groups exceeding ten birds. I don't know about the tail tho.

 

[Hettmoe]

They sound like Sharptail Grouse to me. I’ve often seen flocks of 30 or more in Eastern Montana.
Hungarian Partridge are what I am familiar with in this area.
White corners on tail are consistent with Sharptails.

 

[littlemarshmallow]

Hungarian Partridges are also called Gray partridges; they're the same bird.