(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)

Ruffed Grouse - Bonasa umbellus

Identification Tips:

  1. Length: 14 inches
  2. Sexes similar
  3. Medium-sized, stocky, round-winged, chicken-like bird
  4. Crest at top of head
  5. Blacish ruffs on sides of neck
  6. Head, neck, and back brown or gray
  7. Breast whitish with brown and black bars and chevrons
  8. Long, squarish tail
  9. Tail brown or gray with narrow black and pale bars and broad blackish subterminal band

Similar species:

Sharp-tailed Grouse is more white and tan than brown or gray and has a long, pointed tail with white outer tail feathers. Spruce and Blue Grouse are darker and lack the black subterminal tail band.