Do Ruffed Grouse Migrate?

Pheasants, partridges, grouse, and turkeys are mostly ground-dwelling birds, although many forage or roost in trees during the winter. They do not migrate long distances, although they often use different habitats seasonally.

Where do grouse go in the winter?

In winter, roosting sites can be near the base of a tree, typically conifers, or a grouping of conifers. When grouse roost in or under conifers, they seek out clumps of 15-20 year old trees that will provide both thermal cover and protection from predators.

What do grouse do in winter?

In the early winter, ruffed grouse shift residency to more mature forests. When snow is sparse on the ground or too icy, they stay warm by roosting within the dense needles of conifers. Deep snow makes life much easier for ruffed grouse. Rather than avoiding the snow, they plunge into it head-first and build a tunnel.