Expert: Julia Booth - 7/16/2008

Question
I live in upstate New York, about an hour outside of the Adirondack Mountains. I was recently outback and saw a big black bird that was about the size of a small turkey with large feet also like a turkey. The bird was all black with a few white feathers on its tail. It was walking around my back yard and with every step would jut its head forward. The bird had a bright red head, but I wasn't close enough to tell if it was feathers or if the head was bald. What kind of bird was this, and should I be careful with my small dog and cats going outside?

Answer
It sounds like a Spruce Grouse, although slightly far south. They are usually found more in Canada and Alaska and the nothern border states. That's the closest thing I can find that meets your description. It's obviously some sort of game bird, given its size and the fact that its got feet made for walking and not perching.

I wouldn't think you should be concerned about your pets, though. Grouse are sort of at the bottom of the foodchain in comparison to cats and dogs. I wouldn't be surprised if your cats have a go at him. I know Spruce and Ruffed Grouse are legal to hunt in Canada, but I'm not sure about the laws for Grouse hunting in New York.

If that's not the correct ID, let me know and we'll go from there.

Julia