Ruffed Grouse

Description:

Colors range from gray to chestnut. In winter, ruffed grouse have comb-like fringes on their toes that, like snowshoes, allow for easy travel on snow. Ruffed grouse are about 12 inches in length and weight about 1.5 pounds.

Habitat:

Ruffed grouse are found in forests from southeastern to northwestern Minnesota. Young to middle-aged aspen forests provide the best habitat.

Notes:

This ruffed grouse was spotted running across the road on Hwy 29 about a half mile before South Tamarac Lake.