Spruce grouse

A quiet boreal grouse often feeding in conifers.

Field guide

A quiet boreal grouse often feeding in conifers.

Identification

Male is dark with a red eyebrow; female is intricately barred brown, both with feathered legs.

The adult male is dark gray to black with white spots, a black throat and a red eyebrow comb that stands out during display.

The female is intricately barred brown, gray and buff for camouflage; she lacks the male's black breast. Young birds can resemble her.

Habitat

Spruce and fir forest, bog edges and young conifer stands.

Where to look during the day

At dawn, look along quiet conifer trails and low branches.

In the afternoon, birds may remain motionless in trees or dense cover.

At dusk, check forest paths and edges near feeding conifers.

Sounds

Soft clucks and low display sounds; wing noise can be more noticeable than the voice.

Spruce grouse

Field recording of a spruce grouse. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

-All grouse and grey partridge: bag limit of five per day, and a total possession limit of 15.

Daily: 5Possession: 15