Native to forests rich in aspens and poplars across Canada and the US, ruffed grouse are nonmigratory birds who spend their entire lives in the same area. This one"s posing for us in the forest of Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. Depending on the habitat they"re in, their feathers can range in color from gray to red as a means of camouflage to protect themselves from predators. They get their name from the ruff of dark feathers on their neck. Despite being primarily ground-dwelling birds, ruffed grouse can be quite the acrobatic fliers when needed. They excel at flying in short spurts and are skilled at making sharp twists and turns when navigating through thick deciduous forests. How"s that for beauty and brawn?
It s a ruff life
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Happy Independence Day!
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Union Square, Manhattan
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National Napping Day
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Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
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National Lighthouse Day
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National Park Week: Yosemite National Park, California
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Everglades National Park turns 75
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Lakeside serenity in Finland
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A throng of ice and spires
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Dressed for winter fun
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We did not invent this, honest
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Cheese! We ll go somewhere where there s cheese!
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North Sea at sunset, Norddorf, Germany
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International Jazz Day
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Social climbing
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A cliffside harbor in Sardinia
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Falling for Tennessee
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Whales in winter
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Sundance Film Festival opens in Park City
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Ukrainian Independence Day
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The rainbow connection
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Who created the Easter Bunny?
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The Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
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A bison preserve
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Holi festival
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Heceta Head Light, Florence, Oregon
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Cumberland Island National Seashore
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Lake Peipus, Estonia
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Does this chameleon look a little insecure?
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Bobbing for crab apples