Species Profile
Red Grouse
Lagopus lagopus scotica
Red Grouse
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
2–3 years
Length
37–42 cm
Weight
550–750 g
Wingspan
55–66 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Moorcock, Moorfowl
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Appearance
The Red Grouse is a medium-sized game bird with a plump body and short, rounded wings. Males display a rich chestnut-brown plumage with black barring, a distinctive red 'eyebrow' comb, and a black beak.
Females are slightly smaller and more heavily barred, lacking the red comb. Both sexes have feathered legs and feet, appearing white in winter. Their plumage darkens in summer for better camouflage.
Juveniles are duller than females, with an indistinct brownish plumage. They do not have a visible eye comb.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- White
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- White
Female Markings
More heavily barred plumage than males
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
Red Grouse are endemic to the British Isles, found exclusively in heather moorlands across Scotland, northern England, Wales, and Ireland. They prefer upland areas with a mix of young and mature heather for feeding and cover.
Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with some local movements to lower elevations during harsh winters. They are most abundant in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands.
In Wales, the top spotting locations include Snowdonia, Lake Vyrnwy, and the Brecon Beacons, while in Scotland, the best spots include the Lammermuir Hills and Borders regions and throughout the Cairngorms.
In England, several northern national parks offer a good chance of spotting Red Grouse, in particular the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and Northumberland National Park.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Red Grouse primarily feed on the shoots, buds, and flowers of heather (Calluna vulgaris).
They supplement their diet with berries, seeds, and insects, especially during the breeding season. In winter, they may dig through snow to access buried vegetation.
Behaviour
Red Grouse are primarily ground-dwelling birds, preferring to run rather than fly when disturbed. They form small flocks outside the breeding season, known as 'coveys'.
Males are territorial during breeding, performing elaborate displays to attract mates and defend their areas.
Calls & Sounds
The Red Grouse's call is highly distinctive, often described as a loud, guttural 'go-back, go-back' or 'coc, coc, coc'. Males also produce a rapid, bubbling call during territorial displays. When flushed, they may emit a sharp, cackling alarm call.
A heavy, whirring wingbeat can be heard when they take off suddenly when flushed.
Nesting & Breeding
Red Grouse form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in late March. Males establish territories and perform ground and flight displays to attract females.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, lined with vegetation and well-hidden in dense heather. Females lay 6-9 eggs, which are pale cream with reddish-brown spots, which allows them to blend in well to the surrounding heathland vegetation.
Incubation lasts about 23 days, carried out solely by the female. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching. They can fly short distances at 12-13 days old and become independent after 10-12 weeks.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Red Grouse face localised threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy heather moorlands through controlled burning and grazing. Climate change and disease also pose potential long-term challenges to their populations.
Population
Estimated: 530,000 mature individuals
Trend: Stable
Elevation
Up to 850 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include foxes, stoats, golden eagles, and hen harriers.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Red Grouse in heather moorlands, especially in upland areas of the UK.
- Listen for their distinctive 'go-back, go-back' call, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Observe from a distance using binoculars to avoid disturbing these shy birds.
- Visit managed grouse moors during late summer for increased sighting opportunities.
Did You Know?
- Red Grouse are the only bird species endemic to the British Isles.
- Their feathered feet act like snowshoes, helping them walk on snow.
- They are a popular game bird, with a traditional hunting season starting on August 12th, known as the 'Glorious Twelfth'.
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