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Archives » Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

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Ruffed Grouse: Splendid Drummer

The male Ruffed Grouse stands on a resonant fallen log in the shelter of a brushy thicket, thumping the air with his wings. He raises them and - cupping them forward - beats the air, slowly at first, then faster, creating a reverberating drum roll. This announces his territory and his desire for... read more »

RELATED
Topics & Themes:  breeding display, sound
Related bird:  Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

The Drumming of the Ruffed Grouse

A male Ruffed Grouse performs his drumming display on a resonant, fallen log in the shelter of a brushy thicket in the forest. Drumming announces a male's territory and his desire for a mate. Ruffed Grouse thrive in young forests. Wildfires once created that type of habitat. Today, wise forest... read more »

RELATED
Topics & Themes:  breeding display, sound
Related bird:  Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Ruffed Grouse and Aspen Groves

In spring, the loud wing-thumping of male Ruffed Grouse brings new life to northern forests across the continent. These handsome, wily birds reside in the forest year round. And while their numbers rise and fall cyclically, they average nearly seven million. Still, Audubon lists Ruffed Grouse... read more »

RELATED
Topics & Themes:  breeding display
Related bird:  Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

A Different Drumming

The drumming of the male Ruffed Grouse is one of the most evocative sounds of the North American forest. Familiar as these accelerating burps are to hunters and hikers, the origin of this bizarre sound was long a mystery. It took the advent of wildlife cinematography to solve the riddle. In the... read more »

RELATED
Topics & Themes:  sound
Related bird:  Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
Related video: 
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Ruffed Grouse Drumming

Ruffed Grouse Drumming

Webcams and videos are hosted by third parties. In exchange, you may periodically see 30-second advertisements. BirdNote does not endorse any of the products, services, or causes on third-party pages. All webcams have seasonal changes and may be down for hours, weeks, or months at a time. If this one is not active, please check our video or webcam gallery for more.

Drumming Ruffed Grouse

To defend their territory from other males and to advertise their presence to females, male Ruffed Grouse don't vocalize -- they drum. The birds carry out this 10-second display year round, with peaks during the spring, The male grouse flap their wings forward and backward up to fifty times,... read more »
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Ruffed Grouse Drumming in Maine - II

Ruffed Grouse Drumming in Maine - II

Webcams and videos are hosted by third parties. In exchange, you may periodically see 30-second advertisements. BirdNote does not endorse any of the products, services, or causes on third-party pages. All webcams have seasonal changes and may be down for hours, weeks, or months at a time. If this one is not active, please check our video or webcam gallery for more.

Ruffed Grouse Drumming in Maine

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