ruffed grouse

American  

noun

1. a North American grouse, Bonasa umbellus, having a tuft of black feathers on each side of the neck.

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ruffed grouse British  

noun

1. a large North American grouse, Bonasa umbellus , having brown plumage with darker markings around the neck and a black-tipped fan-shaped tail

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Etymology

Origin of ruffed grouse

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55

Example Sentences

A ruffed grouse that flew down the trail ahead of us had to be chased.

From Literature

Ms. Tyl then spent months meeting the most extroverted ruffed grouse in Pennsylvania.

From New York Times

Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania's state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected.

From Science Daily

Others counter that so few national forests have been logged in recent decades that species such as ruffed grouse and bobcat, which need open space and young, shrubby forest, are losing habitat.

From Science Magazine

Some hunters say hungry turkeys are outcompeting ruffed grouse, which are decreasing in parts of their range, such as the Upper Midwest.

From Washington Post