Ruffed Grouse
The Ruffed Grouse lives
in both deciduous and coniferous forests. The thick woods
provide dense cover for the nest which is placed at the
base of a tree under a log, a rock or a root. The nest
itself is lined with leaves and needles mixed with grouse
feathers. The adult bird does not eat animal food. It feeds on foliage from woody plants, twigs, catkins,
and buds. Flashy fruits are also eaten.
The young, however, eat large numbers of insect larvae,
beetles, flies, small spiders and ants, which provide protein for fast growing.
The
Ruffed Grouse spends the winter eating tree buds. It has developed
tiny comb-like projections on the insides of its toes which
enable it to climb over the tree branches to get its food source.
Active during the day it will seek shelter in the evening, or in
extremely cold weather by tunelling into the snow. In this way it
is protected form the
wind and freezing outside temperatures.
Down To Earth