30–110 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/500 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/5.6–f/8
Aperture
25,094
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/500 s
Shutter (action)1/2000 s
Aperturef/5.6–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionShoot from ground level; game birds flush suddenly, so keep the shutter fast and AF in continuous mode.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 70 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 83 mm | 125 mm | 56 mm | 42 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 167 mm | 251 mm | 111 mm | 83 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 250 mm | 376 mm | 167 mm | 125 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 334 mm | 501 mm | 223 mm | 167 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 501 mm | 752 mm | 334 mm | 250 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 834 mm | 1,253 mm | 556 mm | 417 mm |
About the Ruffed Grouse#
The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a medium-sized grouse occurring in forests from the Appalachian Mountains across Canada to Alaska. It is non-migratory. It is the only species in the genus Bonasa.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Lek displays at dawn (spring) — use a blind and arrive before light.
- Shoot from ground level; game birds flush suddenly, so keep the shutter fast and AF in continuous mode.
- Sightings peak in April, May, June, July, September and October, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
More Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Ruffed Grouse?
At about 70 cm long, a ruffed grouse fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 167 mm, or at 20 m with 334 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Ruffed Grouse?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Ruffed Grouse?
Observations in North America peak in April, May, June, July, September and October. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources