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Female grouse?

Gortgole Jack
11/09/2022 13:34

I snapped this bird in my garden some time ago but I can't decide what it is. It was photographed on the 8th April and hung about fin the garden or a few days. At the time there was a pair of pheasants in the garden and I'd say this bird was between the size of female and male pheasant. I'm thinking it's maybe a female red - or black - grouse or a juvenile? 

  • 0 11/09/2022 17:41

    That looks like a melanistic female Common Pheasant to me. Female Red Grouse and Black Grouse wouldn't have a long tail like that. Unless you live on the moors it's highly unlikely to have one visit a garden.

    Take a look at this photo I found on Flickr 

    www.flickr.com/.../7119347465

    ____________________________________________________________________

    Tony

    My Flickr Photostream 

  • 0 11/09/2022 18:07
    Tony's correct it is a dark Common Pheasant, they are bred in such high numbers for commercial shoots that there is a great variety of colours among them. I don't know where in the country you are but the chance of Red Grouse in your garden are very slim except in extreme weather. The chances of Black Grouse in the garden are even slimmer.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can