Black grouse

The Black grouse, known scientifically as Lyrurus tetrix, is a large game bird found across the Palearctic region.

It's part of the grouse family, Phasianidae, and is also referred to as the northern black grouse, Eurasian black grouse, or blackcock.

Males are notable for their striking appearance, with predominantly black plumage that has deep-blue hues on the neck and back.

They also feature distinctive white winglines and undertail coverts, as well as red bare skin above each eye.

Females, called greyhens, are greyish-brown and more cryptically colored, which aids in camouflage, especially during nesting.

Black grouses inhabit various habitats, including moorland, steppe, and forest edges, often near wooded areas.

They are sedentary birds, meaning they don't migrate but instead adapt to the seasonal changes within their habitat.

During winter, they prefer dense forests where they feed almost exclusively on conifer needles.

The species is known for its unique mating display called 'lekking,' where males gather and perform elaborate displays to attract females.

Conservation-wise, the black grouse is classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, although its populations have faced declines due to habitat loss and changes in land use.

Efforts are ongoing to preserve their habitats and ensure the species' survival for future generations.

The black grouse is a large game bird in the grouse family that is known for its distinctive appearance and behavior.
The male black grouse, also called blackcock, has a glossy black plumage with blue iridescence, a red wattle above each eye, a white wing stripe, and a lyre-shaped tail that is fanned out during display.
The female black grouse, also called greyhen, is smaller and has a mottled brown plumage that helps her blend in with the habitat.

The black grouse inhabits open habitats across Europe and Asia, such as moorland, steppe, and forest edge.
It feeds on buds, shoots, catkins, berries, and conifer needles, depending on the season.
The black grouse is a sedentary species, meaning it does not migrate, but it may move to lower altitudes in winter.

The black grouse is most famous for its lekking behavior, which is a form of mating display where males gather at a traditional site and compete for the attention of females.
The males perform a ritualized dance, where they raise their tails, lower their wings, inflate their necks, and make a bubbling sound.
The females observe the males from a distance and choose the most dominant or attractive ones to mate with.

The black grouse is a threatened species in many parts of its range, due to habitat loss, overgrazing, predation, hunting, and climate change.

The black grouse is a large game bird that lives in moorland and steppe habitats, often near wooded areas.
The males are all-black with red wattles over their eyes and white stripes along their wings.
They also have a lyre-shaped tail that they fan out when they display to females.
The females are smaller and grey-brown with a slightly notched tail.
They feed on buds, shoots, catkins and berries.