The Hazel Grouse, a discreet bird

The hazel grouse is a member of the same family as the Western capercaillie. While it once lived in all Jura forests, it now only survives above 600 metres in altitude. In a territory ranging from 10 ha to 50 ha, the hazel grouse seeks a mosaic of environments resembling a patchwork with grassy areas and a dense and leafy understorey bush cover, which allows it to both feed (catkins, buds, hawthorn, raspberries, etc.), to feed its chicks and to protect itself from predators (martens, foxes, etc.). It is so discreet, you would be lucky to see one.