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Grouse

Started by Traditionalist, October 25, 2011, 12:56:39 PM

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Traditionalist

There are many species of grouse, and many of the feathers can be used, but for traditional soft hackles the British birds were of course used. Usually the red grouse.

The British red grouse ( Lagopus lagopus scoticus) also known as , moorfowl, moorbird, moor-bird, moorgame, moorhen - female red grouse, moorcock - male red grouse, is different from the continental version, the willow grouse, as it is a very much darker red/brown colour overall. The plumage varies a great deal, and no two birds are alike. This grouse population has crashed catastrophically in recent years, so that shooting has often been cancelled. Also, wire fences have proven to be deadly for these birds. They fly into them and injure or kill themselves. ( Not to be confused with the waterbird which is also known as a waterhen or moorhen). The "speckled Grouse quills" often specified in various patterns are usually taken from the tail. Also, speckled brown hen primaries are also often used as a substitute.



The capercaillie was extinct in Britain and is only now found in Scotland after being reintroduced.

Ptarmigan, the fourth British species, is only found on the high ranges in Scotland at about 3000 feet in the east of its range, and lower in its western ranges.For other grouse species see here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grouse

BLACKCOCK (Tetrao tetrix), is the common English name for this black grouse, the female is known as the grey hen, and the young as poults. The sexes differ markedly In size and plumage, the male weighs about 4 lb, it is mainly a rich glossy black, shot with blue and purple. The lateral tail feathers are curved outwards, and form, when erected, a fan-like crescent. The bird has bright red eyebrows with no feathers.

The female only weighs about 2 lbs, it is a russet brown colour, irregularly barred with black. Its tail feathers are only slightly forked.

When young. the plumage of both sexes is like that of the female, but after moulting the young males gradually assume the more brilliant dark plumage. There are many cases on record of old female birds assuming, the plumage of the male to a considerable extent. Blackcock is generally distributed in the high ranges of northern and central Europe, and in some parts of Asia. It may be found on heaths in the south of England, it is quite numerous in the Highlands of Scotland.

Black grouse or Blackcock are nevertheless a red list species, which now seem to be recovering somewhat.
   

TL
MC

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