Black Grouse

Black grouse (Blackgame) are slightly larger than the Red and can be found in Britain and across Europe, in areas of moorland and at woodland edges.

The male (Blackcock) is larger than the female, his plummage is an iridescent black/blue colour with a white bar on his wings. He has fleshy red combs above his eyes, dark greyish feathered feet and a outwardly curved lyre shaped tail with white under feathers. He also makes a dove like call (bubbling) during courtship. The female (Greyhen) has greyish brown/black plummage, white bar on wings and white feathered feet, no comb. Her call is more of a cackling sound.

Black grouse are promiscuous and in early spring the males put on elaborate displays to attract females to their lek to mate. Clutch size is approx 6-12 eggs (incubation lasts 25-26 days)

Black grouse feed on seasonal shoots, shrubs, catkins, grasses, fir and heather.

Black grouse are not that hard to keep but they do take a lot more time and effort when it comes to their diet. These birds are a bit shy and jumpy compared to the Red grouse but for beginners they are a good starting point.