Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia)

Measurements: 35-37cm.

Id: A small grouse of dense forest. If seen well plumage distinctive, with many black-and-chestnut spots and chevrons densely packed on white breast and belly; grey back. Male has black throat, and both sexes have black tips to tail.

Well camouflaged in the dappled shade of its habitat, and both quiet and shy, the Hazel Grouse is a difficult species to see. It occurs in large and relatively undisturbed forest areas, living part of its life on the ground and part up in the trees. If disturbed it takes flight more easily than other species of grouse, and weaves away expertly through the trees.

By Teemu Lehtinen – https://www.flickr.com/photos/deemu/4771693312/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20137082

Ecological studies have shown that the Hazel Grouse is mainly found in mixed woods with a rich understorey. The dominant trees of the forest may well be conifers, but these need to have three or four very important deciduous species intermixed with them: alder, birch, aspen and, of course, hazel. Several of these trees or shrubs grow well near water, so Hazel Grouse, too, are often found near rivers and streams. Suitable habitat can be found anywhere between sea level and 2000m.

In common with other grouse, the Hazel Grouse is mainly vegetarian, and has a bland, unvarying diet in the winter. From December to March it eats the catkins and buds of the four trees named above. As spring sets in it switches to the leaves of the very same trees, and will add in leaves from the herb layer if snow conditions permit. In autumn the variety is very much greater, because berries become available in large numbers, and the birds feed mainly on the ground.

The male Hazel Grouse displays on the ground, beating its wings to make a loud drumming sound, sometimes adding a little jump into the air for effect. It also has a remarkably high-pitched, drawn-out whistling song, like a piccolo. Male and female form a monogamous pair bond.

From ‘Birds: A Complete Guide to All British and European Species’, by Dominic Couzens. Published by Collins and reproduced with permission.