If you’ve ever heard a loud, trumpet-like call while hiking or camping in the western United States, there’s a good chance you were listening to the call of the Barron’s trumpeter. This unique and fascinating bird is a symbol of the wilderness and is well-known for its impressive vocalizations.

The Barron’s trumpeter, also known as the mountain trumpeter, is a large bird of the grouse family found in the mountains of western North America. It is the largest of the grouse species, weighing up to 6 pounds and measuring nearly 2 feet in length. The males have dark feathers and a distinctive white collar around their necks while the females are smaller and have more muted brown and white feathers.

One of the most impressive features of the Barron’s trumpeter is its call. The males have a loud and distinct call that sounds like a trumpet, hence its name. This call is used to attract females during breeding season and can be heard from miles away. The males will also puff up their chest feathers and spread their tail feathers to display their dominance and attract females.

The Barron’s trumpeter is a habitat specialist, living in high-elevation forests with conifer trees. They can be found in the mountains of Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California. The birds are shy and elusive, preferring to stay hidden in the trees and only coming out to forage for food or during breeding season.

Despite being a symbol of wild places and untouched wilderness, the Barron’s trumpeter has faced significant challenges in recent decades. Loss of habitat due to logging and development, as well as hunting, have led to significant declines in their population. The birds are now listed as a species of concern and efforts are underway to protect their habitat and prevent further declines in their numbers.

If you’re lucky enough to hear the call of the Barron’s trumpeter on your next hike or camping trip, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating animal behind the sound. This species may be elusive, but its impressive vocalizations and important role in the ecosystem make it a truly special bird.