Critters of North Idaho: Ruffed Grouse

Though relatively unknown to the average person, the ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a familiar sight to birders and hunters in North Idaho’s mixed deciduous and coniferous forests. In fact, they’re quite common throughout much of the northern half of North America, ranging from the Appalachian mountains and Rocky Mountains in the southernmost parts of its range to virtually all of Canada and much of Alaska.