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Projects Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas Ruffed Grouse

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Summary

Status in VT: Decreased by 1% (172 to 170 blocks). Decreases in Southern Vermont Piedmont and Champlain Valley.
Data from other research: No additional data for VT.
Conservation status: State rank S4S5; SGCN-M
Other atlases: NY: -18%; PA: -33%; ON: declines in south, 27% increase in Northern Shield.
VT’s role in North American range: VT is within the core of the range.
Causes of change since first Atlas: Early successional habitat in decline (?).
Management/Monitoring recommendations:Promote use of even age forest stand management; retain aspen-birch stands and soft mast; enhance shrub growth along roads and around seeps; plant legumes on forest roads and clearings; save clumps of conifers for winter cover. Recommendations for Private Landowners.

Population Trends

First Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (1976-1981)

Species Account

Second Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (2003 – 2007)

Change in Distribution

Links

Encyclopedia of Life

All About Birds