Our 2026 road trip through the thirteen original colonies is winding down, but this month we're stopping in Pennsylvania with the Ruffed Grouse (Audubon plate 41). Adopted in 1931, Pennsylvania distinguishes this as their state game bird, and it's well deserved, as the Ruffed Grouse is the most widely distributed game bird in North America.
Here in Massachusetts, the Ruffed Grouse is included in the Commonwealth's State Wildlife Action Plan as a species of greatest conservation need. You can read more about it on the Mass.gov website.
And now that we're in September, the color palette of this print is giving off autumn vibes! Audubon's print shows two males (with blue plumage) and a female below. Be sure to visit us from September 8 through October 7 to see it in person and check out our previously displayed state birds here.
Elizabeth Roscio
Preservation Librarian
