Ruffed Grouse (also known as Partridge or Mountain Pheasant)

The Ruffed Grouse is a ground-dwelling bird known for its mottled brown, black, and gray plumage which provides perfect camouflage on the forest floor. They are famous for the 'drumming' sound males produce by beating their wings to attract mates.

Mottled grayish-brown base with a distinctive wide, dark subterminal band and prominent white or cream-colored spots/terminations on the barbs near the tip, creating a 'heart' or 'v' shaped white pattern.

Mixed: Pennaceous (interlocked) at the distal tip for form and color, transitioning to a large plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base for insulation. No notable aftershaft visible in image but typical for family.

The tip is smooth and slightly stiff to the touch, while the lower two-thirds are exceptionally soft, silky, and insulating (down-like).

Bold subterminal dark band followed by a white tip; dual-textured nature with a large downy base; grayish-brown earthy tones typical of forest floor camouflaging.

Found in mixed and deciduous forests, particularly mid-successional forests with high densities of aspen, birch, and alder trees.

Non-migratory resident across much of North America, ranging from Alaska across Canada to the Northern United States and down the Appalachian Mountains.

A key prey species for many forest predators like Goshawks and Great Horned Owls; they also serve as seed dispersers for forest berries.

Spruce Grouse (darker, lacks the same white patterning) and Sharp-tailed Grouse (found in more open habitats with different spot patterns).

Ruffed Grouse grow 'snowshoes' in the winter—fleshy bristles called pectinations on their toes that help them walk on deep snow.

Good condition. The feather appears freshly molted with minimal wear on the edges. There are no visible fault bars or parasite damage.