Ruffed grouse

Ruffed Grouse (18645551408)

Bonasa umbellus male 253270687

Brooklyn Museum - Ruffed Grouse - John J. Audubon

Ruffed Grouse (1)

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Grouse3DonLJohnson

Bonasa umbellus MWNH 1111

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae, which also includes other game birds such as turkeys, pheasants, and partridges. The ruffed grouse is native to North America and is known for its distinctive drumming sound, which the males produce to attract females during the mating season. This bird is named for the long, dark ruff of feathers around its neck, which can be fanned out during display rituals. The ruffed grouse inhabits deciduous and mixed forests across Canada, the northern United States, and the Appalachian region.

Description

The ruffed grouse is a medium-sized bird, with adults ranging from 40 to 50 cm in length and weighing between 450 to 750 grams. They have a mottled brown and gray plumage that provides excellent camouflage against the forest floor. Males and females look similar, but males are slightly larger and have more pronounced ruffs. Their tail is fan-shaped, with a black band near the end, which is also a key feature in their display behaviors.

Habitat and Distribution

Ruffed grouse prefer habitats with a mix of mature and young forests, especially those with abundant undergrowth for cover and feeding. They are found in hardwood and mixed forests across North America, from Alaska and Canada down through the northern United States to Georgia in the Appalachian Mountains. Their populations are closely tied to the successional stages of forests, often increasing in numbers in areas that have been logged or otherwise cleared before eventually declining as the forest matures and the underbrush thins out.

Behavior

Ruffed grouse are ground-dwelling birds that are more likely to walk or run away from danger than to fly. They are capable of short, rapid bursts of flight when startled. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, buds, and berries, although they also eat insects, especially during the summer months.

One of the most notable behaviors of the ruffed grouse is the male's drumming display, which is used to attract females and establish territory. This sound is produced by the male beating its wings in a rapid sequence against the air, creating a low-frequency sound that can be heard for great distances. Drumming occurs throughout the year but is most frequent during the spring mating season.

Reproduction

Ruffed grouse are solitary outside of the breeding season, which occurs in the spring. After mating, the female builds a nest on the ground, usually at the base of a tree or in thick brush, where she lays a clutch of 8-14 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for about three weeks, and the chicks are precocial, meaning they are well-developed and able to leave the nest shortly after hatching. The mother leads her brood to feeding areas but does not feed them directly; the chicks are responsible for finding their own food.

Conservation

The ruffed grouse is considered to be of Least Concern by conservation organizations due to its wide distribution and large population. However, local populations can be affected by habitat loss and changes in forest management practices. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy forest ecosystems that support a diversity of age structures and species compositions, which in turn support robust ruffed grouse populations.