n21_107-9216, photo by sgowtham.

Managing Michigan Wildlife: A Landowners Guide is produced by the Michigan DNR and is designed to tell landowners how they can improve wildlife habitat on their property and ease the consequences of our changed ecosystems. They have this to say about the Ruffed Grouse:

Ruffed grouse live in 34 of the 49 continental states and in all Canadian provinces. Michigan is an important portion of the grouse range. Often thought of as a bird of the deep forest, grouse actually thrive best in young, aspen forests and brushlands. When aspen is not available, oak, lowland brush, and dense stands of trees are optional habitats. Grouse are a welcome sight at bird feeders in neighborhoods where natural habitat is available. Despite human encroachment, grouse are able to survive.

You can manage for grouse in Michigan if you own 20-40 acres of woodlands, and birds have access to other nearby woodlots. When habitat needs are met, ruffed grouse usually spend their entire lives in an area of 40 acres or less. If critical habitat is not available, grouse will disperse up to several miles in search of a new home. Birds are basically solitary and do not collect in coveys like bobwhite quail, although several grouse may feed or roost together. Be aware that populations fluctuate even when habitat needs are met.

Learn much more about this popular game bird from Wikipedia and Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) from All About Birds where you can hear the grouse’s unique thrumming call.

Gowtham took this photo in Pelkie. Check it out bigger and in his Nature slideshow.