January 30, 2019 at 12:01 pm
By Amanda DeMusz, Regional Wildlife Biologist
[caption id="attachment_3329" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Photo courtesy Amanda DeMusz[/caption]
Recently Aroostook County received almost 2 feet of fresh light powdery snow. While those of us that maintain homes may not be enjoying the cleanup that ensues, there is a forest bird that welcomes the fresh powder. The Ruffed Grouse (AKA Partridge) is well adapted for the weather.
When most birds are heading south, this popular game bird has no plans to leave home. Grouse have several adaptions that allow them to survive in harsh northern climates.
First, come winter grouse develop specialized hairs or bristles on their feet called pectinations. These hairs provide them with a natural snowshoe to meander around on top of the snow with ease.
Now what do they eat? Everything is covered in snow! If you are out in wintertime, especially around dusk look up the trees. You will likely see grouse precariously perched on thin branches of hardwood trees. In winter, grouse feed on buds of trees such as aspen and birch in a behavior referred to as “budding.” 
Finally, the last key ingredient to surviving winter – shelter. When its -20 outside a lot of energy expenditure goes into keeping warm, even with all those down feathers. Research has shown that anything below 25 degrees required grouse to speed up metabolism and expend more energy just to stay warm. In Aroostook County, we have A LOT of days colder than 25! To deal with this in early winter grouse will roost in cover of thick spruce and fir which provides a protected microclimate. However, once we get 10” of fresh snow……cannonball!!
[caption id="attachment_3331" align="alignleft" width="225"]
Shallow snow roost - Photo courtesy Clint DeMusz[/caption]
Ever dig snow fort as a kid? Watch survival shows where they dig shelters in the snow? Temperature below the snow will remain much warmer than the outside ambient air temperature. Grouse take advantage of this and will use “snow roosting” behavior. Essentially, they will dive into the snow, use their feet to burrow a bit and hunker down for the evening. Under 6” of powder temperatures have been shown to stay right around 32 degrees. As with most species who do not hibernate, grouse will roost for extended periods to conserve energy only emerging to feed as necessary. An added benefit of theses snow roosts is they provide camouflage and protection from predators.
Next time you are snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or skiing in the backcountry, keep an eye out for something exploding suddenly from underground. It will probably take you by surprise!
Photo courtesy Amanda DeMusz[/caption]
Recently Aroostook County received almost 2 feet of fresh light powdery snow. While those of us that maintain homes may not be enjoying the cleanup that ensues, there is a forest bird that welcomes the fresh powder. The Ruffed Grouse (AKA Partridge) is well adapted for the weather.
When most birds are heading south, this popular game bird has no plans to leave home. Grouse have several adaptions that allow them to survive in harsh northern climates.
First, come winter grouse develop specialized hairs or bristles on their feet called pectinations. These hairs provide them with a natural snowshoe to meander around on top of the snow with ease.
Now what do they eat? Everything is covered in snow! If you are out in wintertime, especially around dusk look up the trees. You will likely see grouse precariously perched on thin branches of hardwood trees. In winter, grouse feed on buds of trees such as aspen and birch in a behavior referred to as “budding.”
Finally, the last key ingredient to surviving winter – shelter. When its -20 outside a lot of energy expenditure goes into keeping warm, even with all those down feathers. Research has shown that anything below 25 degrees required grouse to speed up metabolism and expend more energy just to stay warm. In Aroostook County, we have A LOT of days colder than 25! To deal with this in early winter grouse will roost in cover of thick spruce and fir which provides a protected microclimate. However, once we get 10” of fresh snow……cannonball!!
[caption id="attachment_3331" align="alignleft" width="225"] Shallow snow roost - Photo courtesy Clint DeMusz[/caption]
Ever dig snow fort as a kid? Watch survival shows where they dig shelters in the snow? Temperature below the snow will remain much warmer than the outside ambient air temperature. Grouse take advantage of this and will use “snow roosting” behavior. Essentially, they will dive into the snow, use their feet to burrow a bit and hunker down for the evening. Under 6” of powder temperatures have been shown to stay right around 32 degrees. As with most species who do not hibernate, grouse will roost for extended periods to conserve energy only emerging to feed as necessary. An added benefit of theses snow roosts is they provide camouflage and protection from predators.
Next time you are snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or skiing in the backcountry, keep an eye out for something exploding suddenly from underground. It will probably take you by surprise!Categories