Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) ©WikiC

“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11 KJV)

Glorious

GLO’RIOUS, a. [L. gloriosus. See Glory.]
1. Illustrious; of exalted excellence and splendor; resplendent in majesty and divine attributes; applied to God. Exo 15:11.
2. Noble; excellent; renowned; celebrated; illustrious; very honorable; applied to men, their achievements, titles, &c.
Let us remember we are Cato’s friends,
And act like men who claim that glorious title.
3. Boastful; self-exulting; haughty; ostentatious.

Ruffed Grouse

The ruffed grouse differs from other grouse species in its courtship display. Unlike other grouse species, the ruffed grouse relies entirely on a non-vocal acoustic display, known as drumming. The drumming itself is a rapid, wing-beating display that creates a low-frequency sound, starting slow and speeding up (thump…thump…thump..thump-thump-thump-thump). Even in thick woods, this can be heard for a quarter-mile or more (~1/2 km).

The ruffed grouse spends most of its time quietly on the ground, and when surprised, may explode into flight, beating their wings very loudly. In the winter, they will burrow into the snow for warmth, and may suddenly burst out of the snow when approached too closely.

Phasianidae Family

Watch video of Ruffed Grouse Druming

More Avian and Attributes Articles

Birds whose last name start with “G”

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[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]