Bonasa umbellus
The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a medium-sized, cryptically plumaged game bird renowned for its distinctive drumming display. Averaging 16-19 inches (41-48 cm) in length with a wingspan of 22-25 inches (56-64 cm) and weighing 1.1-1.8 lbs (500-800 g), its plumage varies from grey to rufous morphs, providing excellent camouflage against forest litter. Key identification marks include a short crest, prominent ruffs of glossy black or dark brown feathers on the sides of the neck (more deve...
Found in deciduous, mixed, or coniferous forests, particularly in early successional stages with dense undergrowth, clearings, and young saplings. Primarily found in low to mid-elevations across its range.
Feeds on a wide variety of plant material, including buds, catkins, leaves, twigs, berries, and seeds; young chicks consume insects and spiders. Forages by pecking food from the ground, shrubs, or trees.
Ruffed Grouse are diurnal, foraging during the day and roosting in trees or dense cover, sometimes burrowing into soft snow for warmth. They primarily forage on the forest floor, scratching and pecking for food, but will also bud in trees during winter. Males are highly territorial during the bre...
The Ruffed Grouse boasts an extensive geographic distribution across North America, stretching from Alaska and much of Canada south into the northern tier of the contiguous United States. Its breeding range encompasses boreal forests, mixed woodlands, and deciduous forests from the Pacific Northw...
Least Concern
- The male Ruffed Grouse creates its famous drumming sound by rapidly beating its wings against the air, not against its chest or a log, producing a vacuum-like thump. - Ruffed Grouse can grow specialized comb-like projections, called pectinations, on their toes in winter, acting like natural sno...