Behavior

Male grouse perform drumming

This is done for a variety of reason including mating and defense of territory from other male grouse

This is done on a log, thick brush, or other suitable surfaces

The ruffed grouse wings compress air that creates a vacuum that produces a noise that sounds something like a motor

The drumming can be heard for some distance nearly 1/4 of a mile

Usually the ruffed grouse repeats this drumming at 3-4 minute intervals

One can experience this if one is in the habitat of the grouse when the grouse leaps into the air

A very freighting noisy as one is walking through the woods (personal experience)

Source: (7)

Ruffed Grouse Society

Click to hear a Ruffed Grouse
drumming (178k - 8 second .wav)

Source (6)