Mainly second growth deciduous and mixed woodland, wood edges and openings, scrubby woods and old orchards bordered by old abandoned fields. Grouse use coniferous woods for shelter and are found in most woodlots in Prince Edward Island, particularly around abandoned farms.

Habits The ruffed grouse moves into flight with an explosive burst accompanied by a loud ruffle of feathers. In early spring (April and May) the ruffed grouse male sets up a territory and warns off other males by drumming in the early morning hours. Drumming is a loud series of muffled booms produced by the wings of the grouse. The male grouse normally takes only one mate, who selects a nest site, usually at the base of a large tree. The nest consists of a small depression in the ground, lined with a few leaves in which the hen lays 8 to12 eggs. The chicks leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching. During the first weeks of life young grouse feed primarily on insects. As the grouse becomes older its diet consists mainly of buds of birch, aspen and other hardwoods, leaves of most hardwood trees, and fruits of many plants. The hen and her brood remain in a flock until early fall when dispersal occurs and the flock disintegrates. The ruffed grouse cannot fly very far but is extremely adept at maneuvering through thick cover as any grouse hunter will attest. The eating and sporting qualities of the ruffed grouse are legendary and need hardly be discussed as it is aptly termed the "King of the Game Birds". The grouse is very well adapted for harsh climates and severe winters usually have little effect on grouse populations. Hunting does not limit grouse populations because of the high productivity typical of grouse. A substantial number of grouse are taken by hunters but in most areas they are under exploited.

www.flickr.com Souris & Area Branch PEI Wildlife Federation's Ruffed Grouse photoset