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Home > Coniferous Forest Animals > Ruffed Grouse

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.

Ruffed Grouse

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 B. u. yukonensis
B. u. castanea
B. u. umbelloides
B. u. brunnescens
B. u. phaios
B. u. sabini
B. u. labradorensis
B. u. affinis
B. u. obscura
B. u. togata
B. u. mediana
B. u. incana
B. u. monticola
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
Ruffed Grouse Habitat
Male Ruffed Grouse

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.

Ruffed Grouse Eggs
Ruffed Grouse Baby

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
Flying Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed Grouse Picture

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

Published on May 10th 2019 by Sahana Kanjilal under Coniferous Forest Animals.
Article was last reviewed on 5th December 2022.

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