Bonasa umbellus
Least Concern
The Ruffed Grouse, often referred locally to as a 'Partridge', is a charismatic woodland bird known for its richly colored, intricately patterned feathers. Found across the forests of North America, these solitary birds are most recognized for their distinctive drumming sound, a hallmark of spring in their native habitats.
Brown
Brown
Brown
Black, White
Black, White
Black, White
Brown
Brown
Brown
Short
Dark Brown
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Crest on head, black ruffs on neck
Smaller ruffs, less vivid coloration
Smaller ruffs, less vivid coloration
Broad, square with a black band
Broad, square with a black band
Broad, square with a black band
40cm to 50cm
Length
50cm to 64cm
Wingspan
450g to 750g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Ruffed Grouse perching in a tree
Ruffed Grouse displaying
Ruffed Grouse perching on a branch
Portrait of a Ruffed Grouse
Drumming sound, soft cooing
Drumming produced by beating wings, cooing often heard during courtship
Short, sharp peeps
Forages during the day, rests at night
Solitary outside of breeding season
Males defend territories during breeding season
Non-migratory
Generally solitary, occasionally interacts with other grouse
Leaves, Buds, Berries
Forages on ground and in trees
Morning and evening
Pecking and scratching
Diet varies seasonally, includes insects in summer
None known
On the ground in dense vegetation
Shallow depression lined with plant material
Spring
One
Creamy white or buff, somewtimes with brown or reddish speckles
Approximately 3cm x 4cm
9-14 eggs
23-24 days
1-2 days, but will stay with female for up to 15 weeks
Female provides all care
North America, from Alaska to Appalachian Mountains
Forests and wooded areas
Sea level to 3000m
Non-migratory
Temperate Forest
Temperate
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Introduced to St Pierre and Miquelon
Resident or Present
1
8
3 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Males display and drum to attract females
Older males have larger ruffs and more vivid coloration
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, predation, hunting
Habitat preservation and management, hunting regulations
Population slightly decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting, but considered stable due to their large population size
Other names:
Partridge
Family:
PhasianidaePopulation size:
18,000,000
Population trend:
Stable
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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