Large galliformes in a grey birchwood
Photo: Arne Ader
Translation: SilverT
Black grouse hen
Black grouse Teder Tetrao tetrix
During wintertime one can meet our local large galliformes in small, same-sex groups.
We can only see black grouse hens in young birchwoods and alder woods eating the shoots of the trees. The weather this year makes it possible to still feed from the ground – there are berries in the forest, one might not say no to a cowberry oneself. We may come across the similar-looking capercaillies in pine forests, but we will write about them in the near future.
The black grouse has a modest plumage which matches well with colours of the nature. The upper body is yellowish-brown, the breast has a striped pattern, the lower part of the body has black and grey stripes and the tail has stripes as well. They weigh about 1kg, however, this year`s young birds have not reached that weight yet.
They are well prepared for the winter – hair-like feathers have grown on the feet and the sides of the toes have horny fringes. Such changes are typical only for the Tetraonidae among all birds.
Fringes on the feet increase the carrying surface on the snow, like snow-shoes, and they act as mountaineers`crampons while swinging on slippery branches.
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