Why is ruffed grouse the Pennsylvania state bird?
The Pennsylvania Assembly adopted the Ruffed Grouse as the
Commonwealth's official state bird on June 22, 1931. Mrs. Harry J.
Shoemaker, from the State Federation of Women's Clubs, played an
instrumental role in the bird being named the official bird of
Pennsylvania. Not much is known or documented why the Ruffed Grouse
was named the state's bird. Possible reasons for the adoption of
the Ruffed Grouse is the bird being strong, able to survive harsh
winters, and was a food staple for many Pennsylvania settlers.