Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
The Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus), of which the Red
Grouse is a subspecies of, was classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on a European scale according
to the latest IUCN Red List report in 2015. Additionally, the population trend
was shown to be decreasing.
Species Biology
Identification
The Red Grouse is a medium-sized
game bird with a round body and wings and thick feathered legs.
It gets its name from its
red-brown body and the characteristic bright red eyebrow in males.
Sexual dimorphism can be seen in
this species with the male having a deeper red coloured body with the
afore-mentioned bright red eyebrow in breeding season, while the females are
lighter in colour.
The feathers on both sexes have
dark markings throughout, breaking up the red-brown body and perhaps allowing
them to hide easier. This is vital as they are a ground bird for the most part
and tend not to fly unless startled.
The Red Grouse stands at a length
of approximately 37-42 cm in length with a wingspan of 55-66 cm. Their weight
can range from 600-750 grams.
Diet
The Red Grouse feeds mainly on
heather all year round but will feed on plant material such as leaves, shoots
and berries as well as some invertebrates such as insects.
Habitat
The Red Grouse will be found in
extensive areas of blanket bog and upland habitats with adequate stands of
heather for feeding.
Reproduction
The Red Grouse will lay a clutch
of 6-9 eggs on the ground and will incubate them for a period of 19-25 days.
These eggs will weigh approximately 21.5 grams.
The young will fledge after 12-13
days.
A wild Red Grouse has an average
life expectancy of two years and will be of breeding age after the first year.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Red Grouse is a sedentary ground nesting bird and typically stays in its habitat unless forced to relocate in harsh winters, for example.
The subspecies Lagopus lagopus hibernicus is endemic to
Ireland and has a widespread breeding range on the island but its numbers are
quite low nationally.
Red grouse naturally occur in low
populations.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/red-grouse/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/red-grouse/
British
Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob3292.htm
National Red Grouse Survey
2006-2008: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM50.pdf