One of North America's 12 native grouse species, the bantam-chicken-sized Ruffed Grouse is one of the most familiar, particularly to game hunters. Early settlers, who hunted this bird extensively, called it the "Wood Hen" in reference to its favored forest habitats. Like the Eastern Screech-Owl, the Ruffed Grouse occurs in gray and reddish-brown color morphs. The “ruffed” in its name comes from its black or brown neck feathers, which the male flares into a ruff during courtship displays or terri