Black Grouse

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Tetrao tetrix

Photo by IanF.
Photo taken:Langdon Beck, Teesdale.

Distribution

Patchy breeding range in north and west Britain, the Low Countries and Germany, the Alps and the mountains of Central Europe. More widespread in Scandinavia, found throughout most of Norway, Sweden and Finland except the extreme north and from southern and eastern Poland, Belarus and the Baltic states east across Russia.

Formerly much more widespread, now rare in many parts of range and no longer breeds in Denmark. The species has been in severe decline in Britain for many years, especially in Wales but there has been a slight recovery there in recent years. Also very rare in northern England and great care should be taken to avoid disturbance. Resident throughout range but there may be occasional movements in the north at times of peak population.

Recorded as a vagrant in Greece, far from normal range although a former breeder in Bulgaria and Turkey.

Taxonomy

The nominate race tetrix is found over most of Europe with britannicus in Britain, male glossed more blue and female darker and more rufous, and viridanus in south-east Russia, males are glossed greener and have more white above, female paler than nominate. Occasionally hybridises with the Capercaillie to produce the "Rackelhahn" and hybrids with Willow Grouse and Pheasant have also been recorded.

Habitat

Forest edge, open forest and clearings, usually conifer or birch. Also swampy heathland and moorland with scattered trees.

Voice

<flashmp3>Tetrao tetrix (song).mp3</flashmp3>
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External Links

Search for photos of Black Grouse in the gallery

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages