Ruffed grouse are non-migratory birds that live year-round in the same general area. However, they do make seasonal movements in response to changing weather conditions and food availability. Here’s an overview of where ruffed grouse go and what they do in the winter months:
They Don’t Migrate Long Distances
Unlike many bird species that migrate hundreds or thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds, ruffed grouse are considered “resident” or “non-migratory” in most of their range. They may move short distances (a few miles) between summer and winter areas, but do not make long-distance journeys each year.
Their sedentary lifestyle can be attributed to their adaptations for cold weather and ability to find adequate food throughout winter close to their breeding areas. Ruffed grouse have feathered legs and toes that act as natural “snowshoes” to walk on top of snow. They also grow comb-like projections on their toes in winter to give them traction on icy surfaces.
Winter Home Ranges
While they don’t migrate far, ruffed grouse still establish well-defined winter home ranges or territories. These winter ranges are often located at lower elevations than their breeding areas and are characterized by dense coniferous or mixed forest cover. Ideal wintering habitat provides food and shelter from harsh weather and predators.
In northern parts of their range, ruffed grouse may descend from high elevation summer domains and move just a few miles to find lower, more sheltered wintering areas. Further south, seasonal movements may involve shifting between different forest types or vegetation layers within the same general region.
Size of Winter Ranges
Studies have found considerable variation in the size of individual ruffed grouse winter home ranges depending on habitat quality. In good habitat with plentiful food, an individual’s range might be as small as 1-5 acres. Where food is limited, winter ranges may extend over 20-60 acres.
Male and female ruffed grouse establish separate, non-overlapping winter ranges. Males seem to occupy larger winter territories than females in many areas.
Behaviors and Habits
Ruffed grouse exhibit changes in their daily routines and time budgets during the winter season compared to the rest of the year. These behavioral adaptations help them survive harsh conditions and conserve energy when food is scarce.
Roosting and Foraging
Ruffed grouse spend long periods of time roosting in conifers or beneath the snow to stay insulated during frigid weather. When inactive, they may let their body temperature drop several degrees to conserve energy. They emerge for short periods during the day to feed when conditions permit.
In deep snow, ruffed grouse will burrow into “snow roosts” to access food below the surface. Males in particular may burrow communal snow roosts with multiple birds sharing a cavity for shelter.
Dusting
Ruffed grouse frequently “dust” themselves in soft, powdery snow by plunging in and thrashing around. They also dust in dirt or sandy soil when available. Dusting helps keep their plumage in good condition and removes excess oil and skin parasites.
Foot Feathers
As winter approaches, ruffed grouse grow dense layers of feathering on their legs and feet. This acts as natural insulation to minimize heat loss through their unfeathered legs. The feathers also improve traction on snow and ice.
Food and Diet
Ruffed grouse are omnivorous, feeding on buds, fruits, seeds, insects, and other invertebrates. Their winter diet shifts to focus on food items available during the cold season.
Buds and Catkins
In fall and winter, ruffed grouse rely heavily on buds, twigs, and catkins (flower clusters) of trees and shrubs. Aspen, birch, cherry, hazel, and willow are favored sources of winter buds and catkins.
Conifers
Conifers like fir, pine, and spruce provide crucial winter foods. Ruffed grouse eat conifer needles year-round but depend on them even more in winter when other foods are limited. Conifers also provide shelter and roost sites.
Fruits and Berries
Fruits from woody vines, shrubs, and trees help supplement ruffed grouse diets in early winter before heavy snowfall. Crabapples, grapes, mountain ash, wintergreen, sumac, and rose hips are commonly consumed fruits.
Insects and Grit
Insects are a critical food source for ruffed grouse during the breeding season but are scarce in winter. However, ruffed grouse will still dig in the soil and snow to find dormant insects and larvae when possible. They also eat grit such as fine gravel, seeds, and twigs to aid digestion.
Surviving Harsh Conditions
Ruffed grouse have many adaptations that allow them to withstand freezing temperatures, deep snow, and limited food availability throughout the winter:
- Insulating feathers on legs, toes, and nostrils
- Ability to reduce body temperature and metabolic rate
- Burrowing into snow for shelter
- Feeding on dormant woody vegetation (buds, catkins, twigs)
- Consuming food cached under the snow
- Withstanding weight loss of up to 25% of body mass
| Month | Key Behaviors and Habits |
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| November |
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Conclusion
In summary, ruffed grouse survive the winter close to their breeding grounds without migrating long distances. They make local seasonal movements to establish individual winter home ranges, often at lower elevations or in denser habitat than their summer range. Ruffed grouse spend much of the winter roosting communally in conifers or burrowing in the snow for shelter and food. Behavioral and physiological adaptations allow them to withstand freezing weather and food scarcity throughout the coldest months.
