ruffed grouse
nounDefinition of ruffed grouse
: a grouse (Bonasa umbellus) of U.S. and Canadian forests of which the male erects a ruff of black feathers and fans out a broad black-banded tail during breeding displays
Examples of ruffed grouse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Debates over ruffed grouse season lengths and bag limits have become common as the species has declined over much of its range in the U.S. and as concerns mount about disease impacts on the bird, especially West Nile Virus. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ruffed grouse plan is likely to include a shorter hunting season," 29 June 2019 While biologists lack an explanation for the 2018 decline, this spring's counts appear to put Wisconsin back on track for approaching the next cyclical high in the ruffed grouse population, according to the DNR. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ruffed grouse drumming counts up 41% statewide," 15 June 2019 The best research on WNV effects on ruffed grouse has been conducted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: With West Nile a threat and numbers down, the ruffed grouse season will end early," 27 June 2018 Arguably the best research on West Nile Virus and ruffed grouse was conducted over the last decade in Pennsylvania. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Regional study will examine the impact of West Nile Virus on ruffed grouse," 23 May 2018 Ptarmigan, sharptail and ruffed grouse can now easily reach the topmost buds on willows and birch. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, "In Interior Alaska, snow came late and then stuck around with a vengeance," 10 Apr. 2018 Hunters can pursue game birds such as ring-necked pheasants, ruffed grouse and American woodcock in guided ‘put-and-take’ style outings, Butz told the Traverse City Record-Eagle . — Patti Brandt Burgess, The Seattle Times, "Michigan farmer to open new game bird preserve," 13 Jan. 2018 Common sightings include bald eagles, deer, bear, pileated woodpeckers, ruffed grouse and wild turkey. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Your guide to … Wisconsin’s best fall recreation," 27 Sep. 2017 Antibodies to West Nile virus were found in one bird, suggesting that ruffed grouse can defend themselves against the virus. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ruffed grouse numbers lagging for hunters in Wisconsin, Minnesota," 14 Oct. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ruffed grouse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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