northeastwildlife.co.uk
About
The black grouse is a large gamebird about the same size as a female pheasant. Males have a lyre-shaped tail which they raise and fan out in display. These displays are known as 'leks' and males will gather at traditional sites and display to gain dominance and win over females which watch from the surrounding vegetation. Between six and eleven eggs are laid in May in a concealed, moss-lined scrape in the ground; the chicks are independent after about three months.
How to identify
Males are unmistakeable black birds with a fan tail and white wing-bars. Females are smaller, grey-brown with an intricate pattern of black barring, and they have notched tails.
Where to find it
Found on uplands in the north of England, North Wales and Scotland.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
Black grouse populations have suffered severe declines due to the loss of their natural, heathland habitats: over the last 50 years up to 40% of heather moorland has been lost to commercial forestry and overgrazing. The Wildlife Trusts are working to restore and protect our heaths by promoting good management, clearing encroaching scrub and implementing beneficial grazing regimes. This work is vital if our heathland habitats are to survive; you can help by supporting your local Wildlife Trust and becoming a member or volunteer.