Ruffed Grouse

41-48 cm (16-19") Fairly common and widespread. Deciduous and mixed forests.

Mottled gray or reddish-brown. Small crest and black ruff feathers on side of neck. Multibanded fan-shaped tail with wide black band near tip; female's terminal band is incomplete.

Explodes noisily into air when flushed.

Song: male's spring drumming to attract females sounds like a distant engine starting up "bup..bup..bup..bup.bup.up..r-rrrrr."

Videos

Images

Credit: Stonehorse Studios

Credit: skinnybrager

Credit: laikolosse

Credit: Marilylle Soveran