The black grouse

Inhabiting the upper limits of the alpine forest and the fields of bilberries and rhododendron, the black grouse is also known as the black cock. Very discrete, thanks to its brown homochromatic plumage, the female is very difficult to spot. With its black plumage and its lyre-shaped tail after which it is named, the male draws much attention. In the spring, at daybreak the cocks engage in spectacular courtship displays alternating between combat and intimidation whereby they coo and hiss powerfully. The black grouse’s ability to adapt to its environment make it particularly sensitive to disturbances and human activities. Its numbers are decreasing throughout the Alps. The black grouse is, however, a huntable species.