RUFFED GROUSE 
300. Bonassa umbellus. 17 in. 
Crested and with two large, black, neck-ruffs; plum- 
age brown, black and white. Female with the ruffs 
smaller and usually brownish. These grouse have two 
color phases, the general tone of plumage being either 
reddish brown or gray, independent of age or sex of 
bird. These naturally wild, shy grouse are the kings 
of the eastern game birds, their wariness and speed with 
which they will dodge through the trees being the only 
reasons they have so long withstood the hunting to 
which they are subjected. During spring, the male 
struts often, tail expanded into a half circle, head 
thrown back to meet the upturned tail, and ruff spread 
so as to farm a complete collar. They make a loud 
drumming by beating the air with their wings. 
Nest.—Eges on leaves in the woods; plain brownish- 
buff (1.55 x 1.15). 
Range.—Resident from Va. and Ark. north to south- 
ern Canada. 300a., Canadian Ruffed Grouse (B. u. 
togata), is found in the southern British provinces and 
northern New England. 
