ruffed grouse

1. Bird Name

The bird of our focus in this profile is the Ruffed Grouse. Its scientific name is Bonasa umbellus.

2. Appearance

The Ruffed Grouse is a medium-sized bird that is noticeable for its fan-shaped tail and ruff feathers located on the sides of its neck. Its overall coloration is a blend of brown and grey, often with a mottled look due to darker streaks and spots. There are usually no stark differences between male and female grouses, although males may be slightly larger and possess more rounded tails. With large, round bodies and small heads, their beaks are short, curved and robust. Their eyes are medium-sized and usually a dark brown color.

3. Size

On average, Ruffed Grouse measure between 41 and 50 cm (16-19.7 inches) in length, including their distinctive tails. Weights can vary between 450 to 750 grams. The wingspan of these birds averages 55.9 to 63.5 cm (22-25 inches).

4. Habitat & Distribution

The Ruffed Grouse is a North American native, found across Canada, the United States, and into Alaska. More prevalent in forest habitats, the Grouse favors areas blanketed by trees such as coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests with dense undergrowth. They are particularly fond of younger woodlands where berries and other food sources are abundant.

5. Interesting Facts

Interestingly, the Ruffed Grouse doesn’t migrate but adapts to the winter weather by growing ‘snowshoe-like’ extensions on its feet to help with walking on snow. Males are known to perform courtship displays, which include beating their wings rapidly to create a drumming sound. These birds have cultural significance in several Native American tribes, where they are often depicted in folklore and ceremonial dances.

6. Diet

Ruffed Grouse typically feed on a diet of leaves, fruits, and insects in the summer, which changes to seeds, buds, and twigs in the fall and winter. However, during their first few weeks of life, young grouse feed heavily on ants, beetles, spiders, and other insects.

7. Behaviour & Sounds

The Ruffed Grouse is a ground-dwelling bird but is also a skilled tree climber and will often roost in trees. Its flight pattern is straight and leveled, only made in short bursts. The most striking part of its soundscape is the ‘drumming’ by males during breeding season, starting slow and steadily increasing, sounding like an engine starting up in the distance.

8. Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Ruffed Grouse is of “Least Concern” for extinction. The species has a considerable population and broad range, easing conservation concerns.

9. Lifespan

Ruffed Grouse typically live around 1-2 years due to predation and hunting, but they can live up to 11 years in the wild, if conditions are ideal.

10. Additional Notes

In French, the Ruffed Grouse is known as “Gélinotte Huppée.” Interactions with humans are mostly limited to hunting as they are a popular game bird. Despite this, Ruffed Grouse play a key role in their ecosystems, as prey for many predatory species, and as consumers of seeds and insects, aiding in the control of their populations.