ExploreBirds

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

The Ruffed Grouse is a fluffy bird that loves to hide in the woods. It can blend in with the leaves and is known for its special drumming sound during springtime to attract friends.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Ruffed Grouse has mottled brown, gray, and black feathers, allowing it to blend perfectly with forest environments. It features a distinct fan-shaped tail with a broad, dark band and a crest. Males display iridescent black neck feathers, called a ruff, which they can flair out.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyPhasianidaeGenusBonasa
Ruffed Grouse
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badgesinging trait badge
Ruffed Grouse

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A male grouse makes a drumming sound without hitting anything!

Baby grouse can fly a little just one week after hatching!

Sometimes, they eat so many aspen buds they actually smell like them!

They grow special comb-like fringes on their toes for better grip on snow!

Special abilities

Ability

Explosive Takeoff

Ruffed Grouse can burst from cover with explosive speed because of powerful wing muscles, helping them escape predators instantly.

Ability

Snow Burrower

Ruffed Grouse can burrow into soft snow because of their instinctual behavior, helping them create a warm, insulating winter den.

Ability

Drumming Display

Ruffed Grouse has a unique "drumming" sound because males rapidly beat their wings, helping them attract mates and define territory.

Ability

Winter Snowshoes

Ruffed Grouse has special comb-like fringes on their toes that help them walk on snow without sinking, like natural snowshoes.

Measurements & details

Length
40-48 cm
Wingspan
50-64 cm
Weight
0.5-0.8 kg
Lifespan
1-10 years
Top Speed
72 km/h
Clutch Size
9-12
Incubation
23-26 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore eating buds, twigs, leaves, berries, and insects from the forest floor.

Age differences: Chicks eat mostly insects for protein, while adults switch to more plant material like buds and twigs.

Primary Foods

  • Aspen buds
  • Birch catkins
  • Clover leaves
  • Wintergreen berries
  • Ants
  • Beetles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ruffed Grouse?

40-48 cm

What is Ruffed Grouse's wingspan?

50-64 cm

How much does Ruffed Grouse weigh?

0.5-0.8 kg

How long does Ruffed Grouse live?

1-10 years

How fast can Ruffed Grouse move?

72 km/h

What does Ruffed Grouse eat?

An omnivore eating buds, twigs, leaves, berries, and insects from the forest floor.

Where is Ruffed Grouse usually found?

Forests

How does Ruffed Grouse hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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