Ruffed Grouse Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Ruffed Grouse are fairly small grouse with a short, triangular crest and a long, fan-shaped tail. They have short legs and often look slimmer than other grouse species.

  Relative Size

  About the size of an American Crow; distinctly smaller than a Wild Turkey.

  crow-sized

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 15.8-19.7 in (40-50 cm)
    • Weight: 15.9-26.5 oz (450-750 g)
    • Wingspan: 19.7-25.2 in (50-64 cm)

  © Alix d'Entremont / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Ruffed Grouse are intricately patterned with dark bars and spots on either a reddish-brown or grayish background. Dark bars down the side of the neck continue and widen on the belly. The tail is finely barred, with one wide, black band near the tip.

• Behavior

  Look for Ruffed Grouse foraging on the forest-interior floor for seeds and insects. Displaying males make a deep, airy drumming sound by beating their wings while standing on a log. In spring you’ll likely see lone birds; in summer look for females with broods of chicks. Winter birds form flocks and often eat buds of deciduous trees.
• Habitat

  Ruffed Grouse usually occupy mixed deciduous and coniferous forest interiors with scattered clearings. They also live along forested streams and in areas growing back from burning or logging.