Black Grouse
NameBlack Grouse
Common NameBlack Grouse
Scientific NameLyrurus tetrix
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)1000
Plumage DetailsMales are glossy black with a metallic blue sheen, a distinctive lyre-shaped tail with white undertail coverts, and a prominent red wattle above each eye. They also have a white bar on the wing. Females are cryptically mottled brown and black with a slightly forked tail.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a distinctive bubbling, cooing call during lekking displays, often accompanied by hissing sounds. Females have a harsh 'kok-kok-kok' alarm call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across northern Eurasia, from Great Britain and Scandinavia eastward through Russia to Siberia and Mongolia.
Identifying Featuresglossy black plumage (male), lyre-shaped tail (male), red wattle above eye (male), white undertail coverts (male), mottled brown plumage (female)
Description
The Black Grouse is a medium-sized game bird known for its elaborate lekking displays. Males are striking with glossy black plumage, a lyre-shaped tail, and prominent red wattles, while females are cryptically mottled brown. They are typically found in open moorland and forest edges across Eurasia.
