Male Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) drumming in spring to attract females. While firmly perched on a log, with tail braced, the male spreads his wings and rotates wings forward, then quickly backward. This creates a sudden compression and release of air pressure, which produces the drumlike sound. Grouse begins with 2 or 3 slow beats, then gradually increases the speed creating a drumlike roll.Okanogan County, Washington. April.
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Ruffed Grouse-Vyn-110421-0640.jpg


Male Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) drumming in spring to attract females. While firmly perched on a log, with tail braced, the male spreads his wings and rotates wings forward, then quickly backward. This creates a sudden compression and release of air pressure, which produces the drumlike sound. Grouse begins with 2 or 3 slow beats, then gradually increases the speed creating a drumlike roll.Okanogan County, Washington. April.