Species Profile
Black Grouse
Lyrurus tetrix
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Blackcock, Blackgame, Eurasian Black Grouse, Northern Black Grouse
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Appearance
The Black Grouse exhibits striking sexual dimorphism. Males, known as blackcocks, boast glossy blue-black plumage with white wing bars and undertail coverts. Their most distinctive feature is the lyre-shaped tail, which fans out during displays.
Females, called greyhens, are mottled brown with black barring, providing excellent camouflage. Both sexes have a red wattle above the eye, more prominent in males, especially during the breeding season.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Brown
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Brown
Female Markings
Barred plumage with rufous-brown coloration
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Black Grouse inhabit a range of habitats, including boreal and temperate forests, moorlands, and alpine meadows across Eurasia. They prefer areas with a mix of open ground for lekking and feeding and dense vegetation for cover.
In the UK, they are found primarily in Scotland and northern England, with small populations in Wales. Their range extends eastward through Scandinavia, Russia, and parts of central Europe to eastern Siberia.
Distribution
Diet
Black Grouse have a varied diet that changes seasonally. In spring and summer, they feed on insects, leaves, and shoots. They switch to berries, seeds, and buds during autumn and winter.
They are particularly fond of birch and pine buds, which form a significant part of their winter diet.
Behaviour
Black Grouse are famous for their 'lekking' behavior, where males gather at traditional sites to perform elaborate courtship displays. These displays involve strutting, wing-flapping, and making distinctive bubbling and cooing sounds.
They are generally shy and secretive outside the breeding season, often feeding in small groups.
Calls & Sounds
Nesting & Breeding
The breeding season for Black Grouse begins in early spring, typically March to May. Males gather at traditional lek sites to display and compete for females.
Females construct a shallow scrape on the ground, usually well-hidden in dense vegetation. They lay 6-11 eggs, which are pale yellow with reddish-brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 25 days and is carried out solely by the female. The chicks are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching but remain with the hen for several months.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Black Grouse populations have declined in many parts of their range due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining and restoring suitable habitats, particularly in the UK, where it is a priority species for conservation action.
Elevation
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include foxes, pine martens, and birds of prey such as Golden Eagles and Goshawks. Chicks are also vulnerable to corvids and stoats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Visit known lek sites during early spring mornings for the best chance to observe mating displays.
- Look for Black Grouse in areas where woodland meets moorland or heather.
- Listen for the distinctive bubbling call of males during the breeding season.
- Use binoculars to spot the white undertail coverts of males in flight.
Did You Know?
- Black Grouse can survive harsh winter conditions by burrowing into snow for insulation.
- Their scientific name, 'Lyrurus tetrix', refers to the male's lyre-shaped tail.
- In some cultures, Black Grouse feathers were traditionally used in ceremonial headdresses.
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