Spruce Grouse
NameSpruce Grouse
Common NameSpruce Grouse
Scientific NameCanachites canadensis
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)550
Plumage DetailsMales have a black breast, throat, and belly, with bold white barring on the flanks and a white stripe extending from the bill to behind the eye. Their back and wings are mottled gray-brown, and they possess a distinctive red comb above each eye. Females are cryptically patterned with mottled brown, black, and buff plumage, lacking the prominent red comb.
Vocalization / CallSpruce Grouse vocalizations are generally quiet. Males produce a low-frequency drumming sound with their wings during courtship displays, often accompanied by soft hooting or clucking calls. Females may give soft clucks or whines.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the boreal forests of North America, from Alaska and Canada south into the northern contiguous United States, including parts of the Great Lakes region and New England.
Identifying FeaturesMales have prominent red combs above eyes, Males have black breast and throat with white barring on flanks, Cryptic mottled brown plumage in females, Prefers dense coniferous forests, Often very tame and approachable
Description
The Spruce Grouse is a medium-sized grouse found in coniferous forests. Males are strikingly patterned with black, white, and a prominent red comb, while females are more cryptically mottled brown. They are known for their tame nature, often allowing close approach.
