Red Grouse
Least ConcernLagopus lagopus scotica
Visual Identification
Red Grouse
Appearance
The Red Grouse is a medium-sized game bird with a plump body and short, rounded wings. Males display a rich chestnut-brown plumage with black barring, a distinctive red 'eyebrow' comb, and a black beak.
Females are slightly smaller and more heavily barred, lacking the red comb. Both sexes have feathered legs and feet, appearing white in winter. Their plumage darkens in summer for better camouflage.
Juveniles are duller than females, with an indistinct brownish plumage. They do not have a visible eye comb.
Size
Length
37cm to 42cm
Wingspan
55cm to 66cm
Weight
550g to 750g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Red Grouse are endemic to the British Isles, found exclusively in heather moorlands across Scotland, northern England, Wales, and Ireland. They prefer upland areas with a mix of young and mature heather for feeding and cover.
Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with some local movements to lower elevations during harsh winters. They are most abundant in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands.
In Wales, the top spotting locations include Snowdonia, Lake Vyrnwy, and the Brecon Beacons, while in Scotland, the best spots include the Lammermuir Hills and Borders regions and throughout the Cairngorms.
In England, several northern national parks offer a good chance of spotting Red Grouse, in particular the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and Northumberland National Park.
Elevation Range
Up to 850 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Red Grouse primarily feed on the shoots, buds, and flowers of heather (Calluna vulgaris).
They supplement their diet with berries, seeds, and insects, especially during the breeding season. In winter, they may dig through snow to access buried vegetation.
Behaviour
Red Grouse are primarily ground-dwelling birds, preferring to run rather than fly when disturbed. They form small flocks outside the breeding season, known as 'coveys'.
Males are territorial during breeding, performing elaborate displays to attract mates and defend their areas.
Vocalisation
The Red Grouse's call is highly distinctive, often described as a loud, guttural 'go-back, go-back' or 'coc, coc, coc'. Males also produce a rapid, bubbling call during territorial displays. When flushed, they may emit a sharp, cackling alarm call.
A heavy, whirring wingbeat can be heard when they take off suddenly when flushed.
Nesting & Breeding
Red Grouse form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in late March. Males establish territories and perform ground and flight displays to attract females.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, lined with vegetation and well-hidden in dense heather. Females lay 6-9 eggs, which are pale cream with reddish-brown spots, which allows them to blend in well to the surrounding heathland vegetation.
Incubation lasts about 23 days, carried out solely by the female. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching. They can fly short distances at 12-13 days old and become independent after 10-12 weeks.
Lifespan
years
The Red Grouse typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 7 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Red Grouse face localised threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy heather moorlands through controlled burning and grazing. Climate change and disease also pose potential long-term challenges to their populations.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
530,000 mature individuals
Global Population Trend
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Red Grouse in heather moorlands, especially in upland areas of the UK.
- Listen for their distinctive 'go-back, go-back' call, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Observe from a distance using binoculars to avoid disturbing these shy birds.
- Visit managed grouse moors during late summer for increased sighting opportunities.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Moorcock, Moorfowl
Family:
PhasianidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Red Grouse are the only bird species endemic to the British Isles.
- Their feathered feet act like snowshoes, helping them walk on snow.
- They are a popular game bird, with a traditional hunting season starting on August 12th, known as the 'Glorious Twelfth'.
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FAQs
Can Red Grouse fly?
Red grouse are the fastest-flying of all game bird species in the UK and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
Flight is usually at a low altitude, skimming the top of the heathland vegetation, and only over relatively short distances. If disturbed, red grouse can be observed to shoot up into the sky and quickly change direction to avoid being hunted.
Can you eat Red Grouse?
Red grouse is classed as a game bird, and can be eaten. However, fresh red grouse is only available between August 12th and December 10th (November 30th in Northern Ireland) during the open grouse shooting season.