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 form a complete collar. They make a loud 

 drumming by beating the air with their wings. 



Nest. Eggs on leaves in the woods; plain brownish- 

 bufT i 1. 55 x 1.15). 



Range. Resident from Va. and Ark. north to south- 

 ern Canada. 300a., Canadian Ruffed Grouse (B. u. 

 togjita ) , is found in the southern British provinces and 

 northern New England. 



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