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Aves - Neognathae - Galliformes - Phasianidae - Bonasa - Bonasa umbellus

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Bonasa umbellus (Ruffed Grouse)

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Species Description
The Ruffed Grouse is a common gamebird found in aspen forests throughout the Appalachian Mountains, and across to Canada and Alaska. They are highly cryptic birds, and usually only spotted when they are startled and explode into flight from the undergrowth; they are fast fliers, but cannot sustain their flight. During the winter, they grow projections off the edges of their toes, which are believed to aid in walking on snow. They have also been known to dive into soft snow to sleep. The Ruffed Grouse goes through 8-11 year population cycles, thought to be dependent on the Snowshoe Hare population (low numbers of hares mean that predators turn to Ruffed Grouse instead).
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

External Links
Animal Diversity Web Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia Ruffed Grouse Page