Black grouse

The black grouse, also known as northern black grouse, Eurasian black grouse, blackgame or blackcock, is a large bird in the grouse family. It is a sedentary species, spanning across the Palearctic in moorland and steppe habitat when breeding, often near wooded areas. They will spend the winter perched in dense forests, feeding almost exclusively on the needles of conifers. The black grouse is one of two species of grouse in the genus Lyrurus, the other being the lesser-known Caucasian grouse.

Distribution

Region

Northern and central Europe to western Siberia (Palearctic)

Typical Environment

Breeds in a mosaic of open moorland, heath, peat bogs, and forest edges, often with birch, willow, and scattered conifers. Prefers transitional zones where open ground meets light woodland or scrub. Winters in or near coniferous forests, where it may roost in trees or burrow into snow in colder regions. Avoids dense, closed canopy forests and intensively managed monocultures, favoring structurally diverse habitats.

Altitude Range

0–2200 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size40–58 cm

Wing Span65–80 cm

Male Weight1.2 kg

Female Weight0.9 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Black grouse are famous for dramatic dawn lekking displays where males fan their lyre-shaped tails, show bold white under-tail patches, and bubble-hiss to attract females. Males are mostly glossy black with a blue sheen and striking white wingbars, while females are mottled brown for camouflage. Populations have declined in parts of western Europe due to habitat loss and fragmentation, but the species remains widespread across the Palearctic.

Gallery

Egg of Tetrao tetrix tetrix - MHNT

The black grouse in the coat of arms of Tuusniemi

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and secretive, males highly territorial on leks

Flight Pattern

explosive takeoff with short rapid wingbeats followed by glides

Social Behavior

Outside the breeding season they can form small flocks, often segregated by sex. In spring, males gather at traditional leks to display, while females visit briefly to select mates; mating is polygynous. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden in heather or grass; females incubate and tend the brood alone.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

The lek song is a resonant bubbling coo interspersed with sharp hisses and sneezes. Calls carry over open moorland at dawn and dusk, with increased intensity during peak display days.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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