The Order Galliformes is composed of large, heavy-bodied, chicken-like, terrestrial birds including grouse, ptarmigan, turkeys, quails, partridges and pheasants. Members of this order display feathered nostrils, strongly curved upper mandibles and short, rounded wings. Their flight is brief but strong; when flushed, these birds can burst into full, rapid flight from a sitting position. The name "grouse" may come from the Old French for "speckled," indicating their mottled, concealing plumage.
Descriptions: The Latin name of the Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus, means "good shadow," in reference to this excellent camouflage. Black ruffs on the sides of the neck, though often inconspicuous, give the Ruffed Grouse its common name. Fairly common, the Ruffed Grouse occurs in mixed deciduous/coniferous woodlands with dense understory. These grouse are strongly associated with aspen. Unlike ptarmigan, grouse species do not molt into white, winter plumages. Instead, these large (43cm) birds exhibit dappled, grayish-brown plumage year-round. The boldly barred flanks and crisp white eyeline highlight this plumage. Although the head is slightly crested, the black neck ruffs and multi-banded tail, with a wide dark band near the tip, are the most distinctive features.
Vocalizations: While both sexes of Ruffed Grouse make "clucking" and "squealing" alarm calls, the drum of the displaying male is distinctive. Often felt rather than heard, the male attracts females by raising his ruffs and crest, fanning his tail and beating his wings to make a low, hollow and accelerating drumming noise.
Nests: Ruffed Grouse nest in shallow ground depressions (scrapes), often in concealed locations at the bases of trees, under branches or fallen logs. After the female selects the nest site, she lines the depression with soft, preened feathers. The enormous clutch consists of 6-15, 39mm, buff-colored eggs, spotted in browns. Unaided, the female incubates the eggs for 21-28 days. Young birds fledge in 10-17 days post-hatching and are reared by the female. The young will remain with the female until early autumn. Occasionally, the brood will stay together for the winter. When threatened, the female will aggressively defend the eggs/young with distraction displays to draw the danger away from the nest or fledged young.
Diet: Ruffed Grouse are capable runners that forage on the ground and foliage for a variety of food items. Most (80%) of their diet is composed of buds, leaves, flowers, seeds and fruit, although they also feed on insects, spiders, snails and small vertebrates. Young birds feed primarily on insects.
Distribution: Ruffed Grouse typically occur year-round throughout central Alaska, and most of Canada and the northern United States. Usually solitary in winter, they roost by diving and burrowing into the snow. Occasionally, they will winter in small, unisex groups.
