The Red Grouse — Lagopus Scoticus (Latham)
This is the only exclusively British species which is found nowhere else—if we except the local races of many of the smaller birds, which can only be distinguished on a very close examination. Our Grouse differs from the “Ryper” of Norway, which is its nearest ally, by its black primaries, and in the fact that it does not assume a white dress in winter.
It inhabits moorlands from the limit of heather growth to the coast-line, and is generally and widely distributed throughout Scotland and the northern half of England, as far south as Glamorganshire in Wales, but on the east it does not occur south of the Trent. In Ireland it is fairly well distributed, but not so common as in Scotland.
Unlike the two former species, the Red Grouse is strictly monogamous, pairing very early in the season, when his call-note of “go back, go back,” may frequently be heard. The nest is a scrape among the heather, no materials being added. Ten to twelve eggs form the usual clutch; they are very handsome, being of a pale ground colour, thickly and profusely marked with dark reddish brown.
The male waits on the hen during incubation, warning her of the approach of danger with a sharp “kok, kok, kok.” Their food consists of various seeds and berries, together with the leaves and shoots of plants, and the tips of ling and heather; in autumn they also visit the harvest-fields.
The young are fed on insects. This species keeps, as a rule, in family parties, only packing together during severe weather in the less exposed places, but where they are much driven and shot, they are often found in large flocks.
They vary considerably in their plumage, about which more information is needed. The male is dark brown, barred with reddish, and is often nearly black on the breast and whitish on the vent. The female is similarly coloured, but lighter. Length 16 in.; wing 8·4 in.