Ruffed Grouse

The non-migratory bird has a beautiful look, due to its colorations and patterns on the body. It is widely hunted and that is a tradition at some parts of the world.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Genus	Bonasa
Scientific Name	Bonasaumbellus

Quick Information

Description	Size: 15.7-23.6 in (40-60 cm) Wingspan: 19-25.1 in (50-64 cm) Weight: 15.87-26.4 oz (450-750 g) Color: Two morphs visible, brown and grey; brown ones have a brown plumage, grey tail while grey birds have a grayish-brown head, back, and neck, the breast is lighter and the underside is white
Distribution	Appalachian Mountains of Alaska to Canada
Habitat	Deciduous and coniferous forests
Subspecies	1. B. u. yukonensis 2. B. u. castanea 3. B. u. umbelloides 4. B. u. brunnescens 5. B. u. phaios 6. B. u. sabini 7. B. u. labradorensis 8. B. u. affinis 9. B. u. obscura 10. B. u. togata 11. B. u. mediana 12. B. u. incana 13. B. u. monticola 14. B. u. umbellus
Sounds & Calls	Females produce “pete-pete-petapeta” sounds while males’ calls are similar to “queet”. They both make a hiss-like sound
Lifespan	7-11 years
Diet	Fruits, leaves, acorns, and insects
Adaptations	Their capability to digest high-cellulose foods help them survive in the chilly weather
Predators	Bobcat, fox, great-horned owl, goshawk, and fisher
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concerned

Behavior

• The bird stays mostly on the ground and takes a flight when surprised.
• They dig up burrows in the snow to stay warm.
• Ruffed grouses often emit a drumming sound through wing flapping while defending own territories.
• Usually solitary, but these birds often create groups to have foods together

Mating & Reproduction

The courtship starts with the male grouse looking for potential female partners through drumming a “thump thump” sound. After this, the female starts building bowl-shaped nests at the tree base or rock. Females lay cream white to cinnamon colored 9-14 eggs each sizing 1.5-1.6 in. They are incubated for 23-24 days.

Life-cycle

Young grouses have a cluster of black feathers in a triangular shape around their ears. Within 24 hours of hatching, they become capable of walking and feeding all by themselves.

Interesting Facts

• It is the state bird of Pennsylvania
• This bird is the only species of the genus Bonas

References:

1. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruffed_Grouse/lifehistory
2. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/ruffed-grouse
3. https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/grouse-facts/#.XMAYF6RS_Dc