Ruffed Grouse

The Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus, is a medium-sized grouse.

Adults have a long square brownish tail with barring and a black band near the end. The head, neck and back are grey-brown; they have a light breast with barring. The ruffs are located on the sides of the neck. The female is smaler with less obvious ruffs and a shorter tail.

Their breeding habitat is forests across Canada and the northern United States including Alaska. They nest on the ground in dense growth, usually near a log or tree trunk.

They are permanent residents. Some move short distances to denser cover for winter.

These birds forage on the ground or in trees. They are omnivores, eating buds, leaves, berries and seeds, but also insects and even small frogs.

This is the most wide-spread grouse in North America. The male is often heard drumming on a fallen log in spring on territory. When surprised, they may explode into flight.

This is the state bird of Pennsylvania.