Black Grouse

Lyrurus tetrix

Scarce & local residents, mainly in the upland areas with 10,000-15,000 [5,000 Males], mainly in Scotland, Yorkshire & Wales.

Remnant populations, long term decline.

Male's fancy plumage is predominantly black with deep-blue hues on his neck and back, which contrasts the white wingline and undertail coverts, as well as red bare skin above each eye.

Females are much drabber and cryptically colored to blend in easily with the dense undergrowth, especially when nesting. 

They also has long outer rectrices (tail feathers) that curl outward and arranged in a way it resembles the frame of a Greek lyre, hence the genus name, Lyrurus.

Males have long, bubbling coo or murmur.