Red Grouse Vs Black Grouse: Key Differences Explained
Red Grouse and Black Grouse are two distinct species of grouse which are both found in the UK. They have several differences which make it relatively easy to distinguish between the two. There are differences in appearance, habitat and even behavioural differences all of which will be highlighted in this article.
Keep reading to find out more about these fascinating wild fowl.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Red Grouse are endemic to the British Isles whereas Black Grouse have a more widespread range and can be seen in parts of Europe and Asia
- Red Grouse are red in colour whereas male Black Grouse are black (females are a more mottled brown colour)
- Both have red combs above their eyes but they’re more prominent in Red Grouse
- Black Grouse are the larger of the two species
- Red Grouse are found in moorland heather habitats
- Black Grouse are found in moorland, the edges of woodland and clearings
What Is The Difference Between A Red Grouse And A Black Grouse?
There are a number of differences between Red Grouse and Black Grouse which can be an important part of identifying each species. These differences include;
Visual Differences
Red Grouse have a reddish-brown plumage that blends in with the heather moorlands where they live. Males and females are similar in colour with males having slightly richer tones. Males also have distinctive red eye brows or combs which are more pronounced during the breeding season.
These relatively small, stocky birds have short, rounded tails.
Black Grouse have lyre-shaped tails and white wing bars. Males are mainly black in colour whereas females tend to be a mottled brown colour which makes them more difficult to spot when in their natural habitat.
Male Black Grouse also have red combs above their eyes which are more prominent during the breeding season. Black Grouse are larger than Red Grouse.
Differences In Behaviour
All Grouse can be aggressive during the breeding season and are even known to attack any unwitting human that strays too close to their nesting sites.
Male Red Grouse are highly territorial and will defend their territories from all intruders especially during the breeding season. They will use a series of calls, postures and even physical attacks to deter any would-be intruders.
Male Black Grouse have quite aggressive courtship displays known as lekking. They gather together in open areas and fan their tails whilst strutting, posturing and making a distinctive call. At other times of the year these birds are fairly peaceful but can still display territorial aggressive behaviour to ward off any intruders.
Differences In Habitat
Red Grouse are mainly found in moorlands covered in heather as this is their primary source of food. They are a species that is peculiar to the British Isles and can be found mainly in Scotland, Northern England and parts of Wales and ireland.
Black Grouse prefer a mixture of habitats including; moorland, the edges of woodland and clearings. They need open ground for lekking and woodland scrubland for feeding and nesting.
Black Grouse have a more widespread range and can be found in several parts of Europe and Asia. In the UK, they are found in Scotland, Northern England and parts of Wales.
Nests & Eggs
When it comes to nesting, both of these birds make scrape nests which are simple depressions scraped into the ground. However, even here there are differences.
Red Grouse nests are typically well hidden amongst the dense heather of their preferred habitats. They line the nest with local plant materials like grass, moss and leaves.
Black Grouse nests are also scrapes but usually located at the base of shrubs or among tall vegetation in more varied habitats. The nests of the Black Grouse are also lined with grass and leaves found locally.
Red Grouse eggs are generally a pale buff-creamy white colour covered with dark reddish-brown spots which provide great camouflage from above. These eggs are fairly small which reflects the size of the bird.
The eggs of the Black Grouse are larger than those of the Red Grouse and are buff coloured with brown or olive spots which also help them to blend into their habitat.
Both species lay a typical clutch of anywhere between 6 to 10 eggs however, Black grouse eggs take around 25 to 28 days to hatch whereas Red Grouse eggs take slightly less time to hatch at around 21 to 24 days.
Bird Calls
Black Grouse are well known for their distinctive cooing and bubbling sounds which can often be heard during the dawn chorus in spring time.
Red Grouse have a distinctive “go back, go back” call as well as a rapid “chut, chut, chut” sound especially when flushed from heather.
Size & Weight
Black Grouse are the larger of the two species with an average length of around 40 to 55 cm and a wingspan of around 65 to 80 cm. There is a difference in the sizing of the sexes with males weighing around 1.2 kg while females weigh around 930 grams.
Red Grouse are the smaller of the two species with an average adult being around 37 to 42 cm in length with a wingspan of around 55 to 66 cm. The average weight of a Red Grouse is anywhere between 650 to 750 grams with males being slightly larger than females.
SEE ALSO: Black Grouse Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
The main differences between red and black grouse include their size, black grouse are larger than red grouse, their location, red grouse are only found in the UK whereas black grouse are found all across Europe and Asia, and their habitat, red grouse prefer moorland habitats covered in heather whereas black grouse prefer a mixture of habitats including; moorland, the edges of woodland and clearings.
The black grouse is the fastest declining bird species in the UK and is currently on the Red List of most endangered species making it quite a rare sight nowadays.
The largest grouse found in the UK is the Capercaillie which is the largest grouse in the world.
