Spruce Grouse

Spruce Grouse (Canachites canadensis) is in the Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies family (Phasianidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,497 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in September.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Spruce Grouse: observations by month (U.S.)

About Spruce Grouse

The spruce grouse (Canachites canadensis), also known as Canada grouse, spruce hen or fool hen, is a medium-sized grouse closely associated with the coniferous boreal forests or taiga of North America. It is the only member of the genus Canachites.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Spruce Grouse by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)

Wild TurkeyMeleagris gallopavo

Indian PeafowlPavo cristatus

Ring-necked PheasantPhasianus colchicus

Ruffed GrouseBonasa umbellus

Dusky GrouseDendragapus obscurus

Sooty GrouseDendragapus fuliginosus

ChukarAlectoris chukar

Greater Sage-GrouseCentrocercus urophasianus

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ