ruffed grouse

noun

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

ruffed grouse

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffed grouse¹

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55

Example Sentences

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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