What is a typical adaptation of ruffed grouse for winter survival?

Ruffed grouse exhibit a fascinating adaptation for winter survival by burying themselves in snow. This behavior helps them conserve heat and provides insulation against the harsh cold temperatures that the winter season brings. When snow accumulates, ruffed grouse dig into it, creating a snow shelter that protects them from wind and predators. The snow acts as an effective insulator, allowing the birds to maintain a stable body temperature despite the icy conditions outside.

In contrast, some of the other options are not typical of ruffed grouse. Hibernation is more commonly seen in certain mammals rather than birds. Changing feather color is not a characteristic of ruffed grouse; they retain their plumage throughout winter, which helps with camouflage in a snowy environment. Flying south is a migration behavior not seen in ruffed grouse, as they are non-migratory birds that remain in their home range year-round.