Ruffed Grouse Facts

Ruffed grouse is a bird that belongs to the genus Bonasa and family Phasianidae. This bird is one of the nonmigratory types of grouse that is usually found in the forests of the Appalachian Mountains across Canada to Alaska. Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is one of the smaller species of grouse birds that are classified into six species. They are primarily ground dwelling, nonmigratory birds, but, sometimes they fly short distances with a loud fluttering noise of the wings.

Physical Features

Ruffed grouse is a game bird that belongs to the order Galliformes that include some of the terrestrial birds like turkeys, quails and pheasants. This bird is also mistakenly called partridges and pheasants. As mentioned above, forests are found to be the most common ruffed grouse habitat, especially, mixed woodland rich in aspen trees and dense undergrowth. This bird can be identified by its tail with a black margin and feathers on the neck (ruffs). While, the black tail band in male birds is usually found to be unbroken, females have a broken tail band. In other words, the black color cannot be seen on the two feathers on the center region (in females) of the tail, thereby breaking the band. Both sexes have feathers on their legs and most of them are found to sport a crest on the top of their head. Generally, males are found to be larger than females and the former have larger ruffs and longer tails, as compared to the latter.

There are two color morphs of ruffed grouse - gray and brown. The gray morph has grayish brown color on the head, neck and back, whereas, in case of brown morph, it is reddish-brown. While the former has a gray tail (can be mottled too), the latter sports a chestnut-colored tail. The brown morphs are predominantly seen in the southern regions, and the gray morph inhabits the high altitudes of the northern parts of their range. The above facts about ruffed grouse may prove beneficial in identifying this bird.

Interesting Facts

• Adult ruffed grouse birds grow to a maximum length of around 20 inches and have a body weight of up to around 500 grams.
• Gender distinction is often done by checking the tail band, which is found to be broken in females.
• They are non migratory and spend their entire life in the same area. Young birds get dispersed from the family during early fall and find their own territory.
• Even though, these birds are said to be omnivorous, most of the adults are herbivores and feed on fruits and buds. This is the reason why they are found in large numbers in regions with lots of aspen. These trees are a source of nutritious buds for these birds.
• One of the interesting ruffed grouse facts is that during winter, these birds develop a web-like structure that joins their toes, so that they can walk easily on snow.
• These birds are territorial and the respective territories are established by males during early spring, as the snow starts to melt.
• The mating ritual of the males consist of drumming with the wings. The males perch comfortably on rocks and logs. and make wing beats, that resemble drum beats that can be heard from long distances.
• After mating, females lay 8 to 14 eggs, that hatch within 20 to 24 days. The chicks accompany the mother for around three to four months and get dispersed after this period.
• One of the amazing rugged grouse facts is that these birds have the habit of burying themselves in snow during winter nights.
• Most of these birds are found to be solitary, which is uncommon among other game birds. The only exception for this is the mating season.

Hope the above said ruffed grouse facts were interesting. This information will help you in identifying the bird, which is the state bird of Pennsylvania.