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

For ruffed grouse, being unusual is more of the norm.

From New York Times • Dec. 15, 2023

"Additionally, this genomic resource will enable us to investigate important questions, such as whether specific genetic components, like adapted genes, contribute to varying population responses to West Nile virus in different ruffed grouse populations."

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

Red-tailed hawks, barred owls, a ruffed grouse, an osprey with brown wings the color of Byrd’s eyes, and even a male wild turkey, fluffed and frozen in time.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers