The Ruffed Grouse {Bonasa umbellus). 



By Herman C. De Groat 



Length, 17 inches. The broad black band near tip of tail distinguishes this 

 from other grouse. 



Range, eastern United States and southern Canada, south to Georgia, Mis- 

 sissippi and Arkansas. 



Habits and economic status : The ruffed grouse, the famed drummer and 

 finest game bird of the northern woods, is usually wild and wary and under sea- 

 sonable protection well withstands the attacks of hunters. Moreover, when re- 

 duced in numbers, it responds to protection in a gratifying manner and has proved 

 to be well adapted to propagation under artificial conditions. Wild fruits, mast, 

 and browse make up the bulk of the vegetable food of this species. It is very 

 fond of hazelnuts, beechnuts, chestnuts, and acorns, and it eats practically all 

 kinds of wild berries and other fruits. Nearly 60 kinds of fruits have been iden- 

 tified from the stomach contents examined. Various weed seeds also are con- 

 sumed. Slightly more than 10 per cent of the food consists of insects, about half 

 being beetles. The most important pests devoured are the potato beetle, clover- 

 root weevil, the pale-striped flea beetle, grapevine leaf-beetle, Alay beetle, grass- 

 hoppers, cotton worms, army worms, cutworms, the red-humped apple worm, 

 and sawfly larvae. While the economic record of the ruffed grouse is fairly com- 

 mendable, it does not call for more stringent protection than is necessitry to main- 

 tain the species in reasonable numbers. 



These fine game birds are found in the woods throughout the United States 

 and Canada. They are permanent residents and before game laws were enforced 

 they were hunted during every month of the year. Now, however, they may be 

 shot in the fall for a few weeks only. This plan protects the species and prevents 

 their complete destruction. 



The grouse spends much time ujion the ground searching for food. When 

 frightened they rise with a loud whirring sound of the wings and fly away many 

 rods, If they are started by a hunter's dog, they perch in trees overhead and fall 

 an easy prey to the gun. Many are killed and sold in the city markets during 

 the open season. 



Their food in winter consists of acorns, seeds and the buds of trees, but in 

 summer they live principally upon wild berries. Being fond of grapes, they some- 

 times wander to the fields in search of them; but a dense forest, especially one 

 containing small evergreens, is their preferred home. 



The drumming of the male is a striking trait of this bird. Early in the 

 morning or late in the afternoon, he will perch on an old log or rock in the woods 

 and beat a resounding tattoo with his wings. This done by striking his sides 

 with his wings, producing a noise like a roll of distant thunder. On a quiet day 

 this sound may be heard a half mile. He does this to call his mate and soon 

 the female comes flving through the woods to meet him. 



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