Bird Focus of the Week: Black Grouse
Tetrao tetrix
The Black Grouse is one of the UK’s most intriguing yet increasingly rare birds. With their striking looks and unique courtship displays, they capture the imagination of any birdwatcher lucky enough to encounter them. However, sightings of these remarkable birds have become less frequent, particularly in England and Wales, where populations have suffered severe declines. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Black Grouse so special and where you might still be able to find them in the UK.
The Black Grouse is a species where males and females look quite different. The male, known as the blackcock, is the one most people recognize. It’s hard to miss with its glossy black feathers, bold red wattles above the eyes, and a bright white wing bar that stands out in flight. Its distinctive tail, shaped like a lyre, fans out impressively during mating displays.
The female, or greyhen, is much more understated. She’s mottled brown with a barred pattern, designed to blend in perfectly with the moorland and woodland edges where she lives. While she might not turn heads like the male, her subtle plumage is key for keeping her hidden from predators while nesting.
One of the most exciting things about the Black Grouse is their famous lekking behaviour. During the breeding season, in spring, the males gather at specific sites, or leks, to put on quite the show for the females. Just before dawn, blackcocks strut their stuff—fanning their tails, inflating their chests, and making bubbling and hissing sounds as they challenge rivals for the attention of watching greyhens.
The display is both visual and auditory, and it’s not uncommon for males to have small scuffles with each other as they compete to be the most dominant. The females, watching quietly from a distance, will choose the most impressive male to mate with.
For birdwatchers, witnessing a lek is a truly memorable experience. The best time to see one is early in the morning between late March and early May, when the males are in full swing.
Historically, Black Grouse could be found across much of the UK, but their range has shrunk drastically. Now, you’re most likely to spot them in upland areas where there’s a mixture of heather moorland, young woodland, and grassland.
In Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Cairngorms, Black Grouse populations are more stable, and this is one of the best regions to search for them. Head to areas like Speyside or Deeside for a good chance of spotting one. In England, your best bet is the North Pennines, around Teesdale and Weardale, where conservation efforts have helped to support a small but important population. You might also find them in the southern Lake District if you’re lucky.
In Wales, Black Grouse can be found around Snowdonia and the Berwyn Mountains, although they’re increasingly difficult to see.
The Black Grouse is classified as a species of conservation concern, with numbers having dropped alarmingly over the past century. The main issue has been the loss and fragmentation of suitable habitats. Changes in land use, particularly the expansion of commercial forestry, overgrazing, and egg thieves, have all played a role in reducing the areas where Black Grouse can thrive.
If you’re planning to seek out Black Grouse, timing and location are everything. April and May are the prime months to catch the males performing their lekking displays. Aim to arrive at a known lek site just before dawn—Black Grouse are early risers, and the display will be over before you know it. Leks are usually kept somewhat quiet to protect the birds, but local wildlife groups often arrange guided viewing opportunities.
Outside of lekking season, the birds are more spread out, and you might have to be patient. They prefer areas on the edge of woodland, particularly where forestry plantations meet open moorland, so that’s where you should concentrate your search.
The Black Grouse is a bird that every keen birdwatcher in the UK should try to see at least once. Though they’re harder to find than they used to be, the thrill of watching a male blackcock performing his intricate courtship display is well worth the early start. As their numbers continue to decline, the importance of protecting their habitats and supporting conservation efforts can’t be overstated. With a bit of luck and good timing, the Black Grouse might just reward your patience with one of nature’s most impressive spectacles.
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