Grouse

Grouse

Grouse, any of a number of game birds in the family Tetraonidae (order Galliformes). In addition to species called grouse, the group includes several birds known by particular names, such as the capercaillie and prairie chicken (see below) and the ptarmgin. The order Columbiformes contains the sandgrouse. The most famous Old World member is the black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix), of Wales, Scotland, Scandinavia, and north-central Europe; a related form (L. mlokosiewiczi) occurs in the Caucasus. The male, known as blackcock, may be 55 cm (22 inches) long and weigh almost 2 kg (about 4 pounds). He is iridescent blue-black, with white wing bars and undertail coverts; his tail curls outward like a lyre. The female, known as gray hen, is mottled brown, barred with black; she is smaller than the male. Several cocks display together in what is called a lek: they inflate red combs over their eyes, spread their tails, and circle in a crouch, quivering

Grouse

Grouse

Grouse

Grouse

 

Grouse

Grouse

Grouse

Grouse

Grouse