Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

The Ruffed Grouse is a medium-sized forest-dwelling gallinaceous bird famed for its dramatic drumming display. This specialized neck ruff feather exhibits the classic rich chestnut and velvety black band that makes the species instantly recognizable, providing insulation and visual display capability during courtship.

Striking coloration featuring a dark, iridescent charcoal-black or deep grey subterminal band sharply bordered by a rich, warm rufous-brown or chestnut tip, with a greyish-brown base

Pennaceous at the tip with densely interlocked barbs, transitioning to a more plumulaceous or semiplume-like fluffy base underneath, very soft and pliable

Silky and soft with a matte finish on the colorful tip and slightly more rigid structure along the central shaft

Distinctive velvety black or dark grey subterminal band sharply contrasting with a warm rufous or chestnut tip

Deciduous and mixed-coniferous forests, particularly areas with dense undergrowth, young aspen stands, and brushy woodland edges

Widespread across the northern United States and throughout Canada, stretching from Alaska down through the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain chains

Serves as an important prey species for forest raptors and mammalian predators while acting as a seed and bud disperser in forest ecosystems

Spruce Grouse or Greater Sage-Grouse, but neither possesses the exact contrasting black and rufous neck ruff pattern of the Ruffed Grouse

Male Ruffed Grouse produce their famous drumming sound not with their vocal cords, but by beating their wings rapidly against the air to create a vacuum shockwave

Good condition with intact barbs and clean coloration, showing minimal wear and tear