Ruffed Grouse Identification, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of OrnithologySkip to main contentDonateDonateSearchMenuRuffed Grouse IdentificationRuffed Grouse Photos and VideosNova Scotia, April 06, 2013Quebec, July 01, 2022New York, April 13, 2012Wyoming, October 03, 2016New York, May 13, 2014Massachusetts, July 20, 2022Idaho, December 31, 2016New York, June 22, 2015See more images of this species in Macaulay LibraryCompare with Similar SpeciesClick on an image to compareLooking for ID Help?Our free app offers quick ID help with global coverage.Try Merlin Bird IDThe Four Keys to IDSize & 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 SizeAbout the size of an American Crow; distinctly smaller than a Wild Turkey.crow-sizedMeasurementsBoth SexesLength: 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)Color PatternRuffed 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.BehaviorLook 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.HabitatRuffed 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.Species in This Family(Order: Galliformes, Family: )Browse Species in This FamilyMore to ReadThe Cornell Lab Review: Affordable Full-Size 8x42 Binoculars Living Bird MagazineAnalysis: The Economic Value of BirdsThe Best Trees, Vines, and Shrubs to Plant for Birds: a Starter ListA Modest Proposal: Can eBird Help Choose Better State Birds? [Part 1]How to Provide Seeds and Shelter for Backyard BirdsI found a pigeon or dove that seems tame and has colored bands on its legs. What should I do?Follow us© 2025 Cornell UniversityCancel×Search for species name or keywordsSearchOr Browse Bird Guide by or Need Bird ID Help? Try MerlinCancel×Don't miss a thing! Join our email listThe Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation., A well-edited wine list focused on biodynamic, organic wines from small, family-run vineyards, a rotating selection of regional beers, and classic cocktails (Try the Old Pal) round out The Ruffed Grouse’s robust beverage program., 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..