Ruffed Grouse

Description: A forest-dwelling grouse, the ruffed grouse takes its name from the ring of black feathers around its neck. It has a noticeable long, rounded tail. These birds are seen in two distinct color phases, gray and red, and both phases may occur within one family. The red phase is seen more in the southern and western part of the range, while the gray phase is more common in the north and in higher elevations. Red morph birds have a mottled brown body and a chestnut tail. Gray morphs are mottled gray with a gray tail and legs with feathers down to the feet. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but males have an unbroken black band across their tails while the band on the female birds is broken in the center. Males are also slightly larger. Average size: 17-20 inches. Average weight: 1-1 ½ pounds.

Science: Ruffed grouse are found throughout much of Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the Appalachians. They prefer woodland areas with a variety of trees, including aspen, birch, alder, dogwood, beach, hazel, and pines. They spend most of their lives within a space of only a few dozen acres and eat fruit, buds, and catkins from a variety of trees and plants. While groups may form around food sources, they do not form coveys. Their population rises and falls in ten-year cycles. The population in the increasing phase of the cycle may be 15% higher than in the decreasing phase.

Hunting: As ruffed grouse are known to hold tight, they are best hunted with a pointing dog. The birds flush in a flurry, which makes them exciting to shoot. The eating quality is excellent: the ruffed grouse has some of the whitest breast meat of all game birds.