The Ruffed Grouse is an elusive, medium-sized game bird, although the males become conspicuous during the breeding season through their spectacular drumming behaviour. This territorial and courtship display involves the male standing on a structure that provides good sound resonance (usually an old log), raising its crest and back shoulders “ruffs” and beating its wings, slowly at first, then into a crescendo to generate the drumming sound. The Ruffed Grouse is widespread in suitable habitat throughout the province except for on Haida Gwaii and other islands off British Columbia. /SANDRA JAMES
