Ruffed Grouse behavior (1 Viewer)

About 3 weeks ago we had this little guy show up, following me around while I mowed my yard. It's been attached to my familie's hip since then. Whenever it hears us outside, it comes running out of the woods and never strays too far away from us.

I'm guessing it's a male but I have yet to hear any drumming. It makes an almost purring sound when it's next to us, as well as something that resembles a cry and what sounds like a hiss, similar to what Canadian Geese make when you get to close to their young.

I'm assuming that it's mating season here in NY, because this dude has gotten mildly aggressive in the last 24 hours. He started out by getting much closer than he usually did, actually standing on my feet. Then he continually positioned himself behind me and flushed once smacking into my back, startled me pretty good. Now I may or may not have startled him while I was moving stuff in my garage (he comes in there with me constantly) but he puts his head down and charges at me constantly. Not my wife or kids, just me.

How long does this usually last? I'm thinking he's just going through a dominance phase if it is mating season so it should pass at some point, but I'm so unfamiliar with these birds I don't know when it's going to be safe to leave the house without looking over my shoulder.

TIA! John

Normal mating season is about a month, usually ending by June, depending how far north you are. Males may keep their hopes up for some weeks longer, as females will mate again if their brood fails early.

But your guy isn't typical, so I wouldn't want to predict what he'll do next.

Unlike Spruce grouse, which are famous for attacking passing hikers, Ruffed are usually shy. It's pretty surprising that it hangs around inside your garage, and it's very interesting that it attacks you but not the rest of your family.

I believe this is a female, her fan tail band does is not continuous, there is a break in the middle. Today I went to go into one of my woods and she immediately charged at me and attacked my feet. Could she have a nest with eggs in those woods?

I'm in Western NY, about 2 hours west of Buffalo if geography makes a difference.

you are a lucky person! my birds just spatter droppings on the car and windows.
no idea why her instincts make her respond to you alone like this, maybe it is your aftershave ....

you are a lucky person! my birds just spatter droppings on the car and windows.
no idea why her instincts make her respond to you alone like this, maybe it is your aftershave ....

Shipwreck said:

I believe this is a female, her fan tail band does is not continuous, there is a break in the middle. Today I went to go into one of my woods and she immediately charged at me and attacked my feet. Could she have a nest with eggs in those woods?

I'm in Western NY, about 2 hours west of Buffalo if geography makes a difference.

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That's possible, but that's still not normal behavior. A hen guarding a nest or brood will make a show of moving away slowly, often employing the old "broken wing" ruse.