Gallery - Gamebirds

Grouse (Phasianidae)

Gamebirds with short, thick bil, short wings and whirring flight, differing from Pheasants and Partridges especially in their feathered legs and nostrils and having no spurs

Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix)

The mock battles of male "Blackcock" at dawn on their "lecks" is one of the dramas of open northern or upland forests. The grouse feeds on buds, berries and some insects, usually found on the ground, but sometimes in trees.

Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus)

These grouse live on tundra, moors and bogs of Northan Europe, feeding on vegetation especially heather, willow and birch. They usually feed on the ground but also in trees. The nest is on the ground.

Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus)

This bird of the Artic tundra also lives on the tundra-like tops of mountains further south in Europe. It is a resident, but may be forced to move short distances by severe weather conditions. It feeds on plant materiel.

Look at the great Video clip for more info ;o)

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

The giant turkey-like grouse of northan and upland forests is secretive and difficult to observe. Males display together and attract females to traditional "leks" in spring.

Introduced Gamebirds

Due to over shooting of native stocks, especially in central and western Europe, many alien Gamebirds from Asia and North America have been introduced and managed in the region.

Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

This attractive bird has been introduced from Asia for hunting, it lives in countryside with woods and farms. pheasants eat a wide range of food including grain,worms,spiders and green shoots.

Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus)

This exotic species was introduced to parts of England and Scotland from China more than 100yrs ago. In Britian it is found in a few widely dispersed locations in lowland areas.

Partridges and Quail

Stoutly built, mainly brown, medium sized with rufous tail conspicuous in flight, sexes alike, male larger.