Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys

Spruce Grouse, Falcipennis canadensis

Family Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys)

Size: 15.5"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Mixed coniferous or spruce woodlands and clearings, particularly of inland subalpine regions

The spruce grouse is a compact, plump, docile ground bird with a comparatively short tail, short neck, and small bill. Two groups of this species exist, differing by tail pattern and amount of white plumage, but only one group is found in New England. The male is mottled brown and black across the back and wings and has a black, rufous-tipped tail, black neck, and black breast patch. The underside and flanks are dark with extensive white spots and streaks, while the head is blackish with bright-red eye combs and thin white markings under the eyes and at the cheeks. Females are well-camouflaged in mottled tones of brown, black, rust, and white. Spruce grouse feed on the ground or low in trees for leaves, needles, berries, and insects. During spring males strut in open areas with their tails outspread. The adult male is illustrated.