The state bird of Pennsylvania is the Ruffed Grouse, a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird deeply connected to the Commonwealth’s forested landscape. The designation reflects a long-standing appreciation for its hardiness and historic role within the state’s environment. It is one of the most widely recognized species of grouse across North America.
The Designation of the State Bird
The Ruffed Grouse was officially designated as the state bird of Pennsylvania by the General Assembly in 1931 through an act of the legislature. This action recognized the species’ importance not only as a native wildlife fixture but also as an economically significant game bird. The official scientific name for this species is Bonasa umbellus.
The choice was partly motivated by the Ruffed Grouse being a non-migratory resident, meaning it lives within the state year-round, unlike many other birds. Its ability to thrive in the harsh Pennsylvania winters further cemented its status as a symbol of the state’s rugged, resilient nature. This legislative selection elevated the bird’s status, acknowledging its historic value to settlers as a food source and its continued importance in upland sport hunting.
Defining Features of the Bird
The Ruffed Grouse is a plump, chicken-like bird, typically measuring between 16 and 19 inches in length. Its plumage features a complex pattern of mottled brown, gray, and black, providing excellent camouflage against the forest floor and tree bark. This coloration is often described as having two different color morphs, either predominantly gray or rusty-brown, which helps it blend into various woodland environments.
The bird’s common name comes from the distinctive tufts of glossy black feathers on the sides of the male’s neck, known as ruffs. These ruffs are dramatically spread during courtship displays, alongside a fan-shaped tail that shows a broad, dark band near the tip. The male’s most defining behavior is a non-vocal, acoustic display known as “drumming.”
The drumming sound is produced as the bird rapidly beats its wings against the air, creating a vacuum that results in a low-frequency, deep thumping sound wave. This noise is used to proclaim territory and attract females, and it can be heard up to a quarter of a mile away through the woods. The male typically performs this display while standing atop a log or stone, which serves as a stage rather than a surface it strikes to create the sound.
Distribution and Ecology in Pennsylvania
It relies on the state’s extensive woodlands for shelter and sustenance year-round. Its preferred habitat consists of deciduous and mixed forests, particularly those with dense, brushy understories and young, regenerating growth.
The abundance of food and cover in these young forest stages, often less than 20 years old, provides protection from predators and severe weather. The bird is an omnivore, with a diet that shifts depending on the season and available forage. It consumes a wide variety of foods, including buds, leaves, berries, seeds, and insects.
During the winter, when snow cover is deep, the grouse survives by consuming the dormant buds and catkins of trees like aspen and birch. The species burrows into soft snow drifts at night to create an insulating snow roost, which helps conserve body heat in extreme cold. The availability of young forest habitat remains a significant factor in maintaining the Ruffed Grouse population across the Commonwealth.