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

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 • Oct. 4, 2023

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 • Apr. 26, 2023

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 • Aug. 12, 2022

One year, a ruffed grouse took a liking to Bob and would emerge from the woods near the ninth green whenever he walked past; once, it followed his daughter into their house.

From Golf Digest • May 8, 2020

We were on a county road near thick forest when we came on a dead ruffed grouse.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen