The Ruffed Grouse is a forest grouse famous for the male's 'drumming' display, in which he beats his wings rapidly on a log to create a deep, resonant booming sound that travels far through the forest. Population cycles tied to snowshoe hare abundance make it a classic example of predator-prey dynamics in ecology. It eats aspen catkins and buds in winter, even roosting in snow drifts for insulation.
Best time to see a Ruffed Grouse
The best time to see a Ruffed Grouse is April–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,627 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ruffed Grouse? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ruffed Grouse sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Ruffed Grouse?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.