Black Grouse

The black grouse, or Lyrurus tetrix, is a sedentary game bird of notable size within the grouse family. Males are distinguished by their striking black plumage with iridescent blue hues on the neck and back, white wing bars, and red wattle over the eyes. Females are more subdued in color, with mottled greyish-brown feathers, providing excellent camouflage in their natural habitat.

Identification Tips

Male black grouse, or blackcocks, are approximately 60 centimeters in length and can weigh up to 2.1 kilograms. They boast a lyre-shaped tail and a unique white under-tail. The females, or greyhens, are smaller at about 45 centimeters and weigh up to 1.1 kilograms. Their plumage is cryptic, aiding in concealment during the nesting period.

Habitat

The black grouse thrives in a variety of habitats across Eurasia, favoring the transitional zones between forests and open spaces. They are commonly found in moorlands, heathlands, grasslands, and pastures, particularly when these areas are adjacent to wooded regions.

Distribution

This species spans the Palearctic, from the British Isles across Scandinavia and the European continent into Russia and parts of Asia, including Siberia, northern Mongolia, and northwestern China. Notably absent from Ireland, the black grouse has also seen local extinctions in other parts of its range.

Behaviour

Black grouse are known for their elaborate courtship displays at leks, where males fan their tails and emit a distinctive bubbling song to attract mates. They form large flocks in winter, roosting in dense forests and feeding predominantly on conifer needles.

Song & Calls

The male's courtship song is a series of low, bubbling coos, while the female emits a cackling or warbling call. These vocalizations are particularly prominent during the breeding season.

Breeding

The breeding season is marked by the males' lekking behavior, where they compete for the attention of females. After mating, the female takes sole responsibility for nesting and rearing the chicks, often in dense undergrowth for protection.

Similar Species

The black grouse can be confused with other grouse species, but its distinctive male plumage and lekking behavior are usually sufficient for identification.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet shifts seasonally; in winter, they feed on conifer needles, while in spring and summer, they consume a variety of berries, shoots, and stems from shrubs like Vaccinium.

Conservation status

Globally, the black grouse is classified as Least Concern, with an estimated population of 15-40 million. However, it has experienced declines in western Europe due to habitat loss, predation, and other factors. Conservation efforts are underway in various regions to address these challenges.