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

It’s a far cry from the behavior of most ruffed grouse, whose stealth and elusiveness are why hunters call them the “king of game birds.”

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

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

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen