The Ruffled Grouse

This ruffed grouse holds still under the cover of thick conifers, hoping to stay unseen.

By Jen Maguder

Great Camp Sagamore’s Program Director

As the weather warms and we’re getting reacquainted with our backyards, you may hear (and feel!) the drumming of a ruffed grouse. These birds are roughly the size of a small chicken and spend much of their time on the ground. Males make this drumming noise by rotating their wings back and forth on top of a low stump, rock, or fallen log. By making this noise, a male is claiming his territory and trying to attract a mate. You can listen for this sound all over New York State wherever dense trees and shrubs create habitat for ruffed grouse. Spend some time breathing fresh air, enjoying that intense spring sunlight, and listening for ruffed grouse.