Ruffed Grouse
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The secretive Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) perches briefly on a branch. Due to their cryptic coloration and slow, deliberate movements, they are difficult to spot in the trees. You can often hear the male Ruffed Grouse. They quickly move their wings back and forth which generates a deep, thumping sound. The female Ruffed Grouse in the photo was waiting for its two chicks to catch up before proceeding deeper into the forest.