Grouse

Grouse is the common name for several species of medium-sized, ground-dwelling birds in the family Phasianidae, subfamily Tetraoninae. They occur across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia, in forests, woodland edges, tundra, and other open shrublands. The group includes genera such as Lagopus (ptarmigans), Tetrao (capercaillie, black grouse), Centrocercus (sage grouse), Bonasa (ruffed grouse), and Dendragapus.

Grouse are typically cryptically colored, with plumage that blends into leaf litter and brush. Many species show sexual dimorphism, with males larger or more vividly marked, and some perform elaborate courtship displays. Breeding strategies vary; some species engage in lekking, notably sage grouse and capercaillie, while others defend nesting areas more directly. A common trait is the use of distinctive sounds, such as drumming or booming displays, produced by wingbeats or air through special feathers to attract mates or deter rivals.

Diet is largely plant-based, including buds, leaves, shoots, seeds, and berries, with insects providing a crucial protein source for chicks during early life. Grouse often change their diet seasonally in response to availability. Nesting is typically on or near the ground, with the female incubating the eggs and caring for the young without male involvement in parental care.

Conservation status varies by species; habitat loss, changes in fire regimes, overhunting, and lead exposure from hunting ammunition affect several populations. Management generally emphasizes habitat protection and regulated hunting to sustain wild populations. Grouse are also valued as game birds and play roles in their ecosystems as seed dispersers and prey.