Are you hearing a repeating thumping noise in or around your home and not sure what is causing it? Are you having a plumbing problem or just what is causing that thumping sound? For those who may not live in the woods or where wildlife like grouse inhabit, let me tell you about this unique thumping sound a ruffed grouse makes.

Male grouse make a drumming sound to attract mates which starts with a rapid, wing-beating display that creates a low frequency sound, starting slow and speeding up (thump…thump…thump…thump-thump-thump-thump). Even in thick woods the drumming sound can be heard for a quarter mile if not further. Grouse also drum to announce and establish their territory to all.

Grouse like to find an old log to make their drumming sound. The beating of their wings resonates through the log making the thumping sounds carry quite a distance. Grouse are known to thump repeatedly every few minutes and can continue for hours.

Here is a photo of a grouse in a mid-thumping action. It was difficult to get a photo of the grouse in action so this is the best picture I was able to capture.

Here is one more photo of the strutting grouse on his favorite drumming log. Look closely to see how well he is camouflaged by the bushes and trees. I believe this is a same grouse that has been drumming for several years in this particular spot. It is truly fascinating to see how intense a grouse can be about their drumming and announcing their domain.