358 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



little success. There is, in some parts, seasonal movement, 

 especially between areas at different altitudes, but little that 

 is more than purely local migration, and yet birds have been 

 shot in unexpected localities ; possibly these stragglers have 

 been wanderers from spots where ineffectual attempts have 

 been made to establish the bird. It is unknown in Ireland. 



Though common in some northern woodlands, the usual 

 haunt of the Black Grouse is the sparsely wooded fringe of the 

 moor, hilly country where there is a variety of feeding ground — 

 moors, woodlands, and cultivated land. The Black Cock differs 

 from other grouse in his glossy blue-black plumage and lyre- 

 shaped tail ; the Grey Hen, his mate, is a less distinctive reddish- 

 brown bird, smaller than the female Capercaillie, and differing 

 from her in having the tail forked and not rounded. The strong, 

 swift flight is typical of all grouse, but in the semi-arboreal 

 habits, and in polygamy, the bird agrees with the last species 

 rather than the next two. The food varies according to locality 

 and season, and, though insects or other animals are eaten, 

 is largely vegetarian ; the tender tops of moorland plants, 

 especially ling, heather, crowberry, and bilberry, as well as 

 moorland fruits and berries, are appreciated, and buds, leaves, 

 and fruits of trees are included. Conifers suffer from the Black 

 Grouse, and when the corn is ripe grain is too freely devoured. 



The annual display and competitive performances of the 

 males take place in spring, usually in the early morning. The 

 males gather to " lek " or compete in some open space, and 

 fight, dance, and show oft", and the females come to look on 

 with more or less evidence of approval. The actual fights look 

 more serious than they are, for little more than a trial of 

 strength results ; there is much of the game-cock in the 

 threatening preliminaries, but the blows are mostly with the 

 wing, the feet, though used, being unarmed. Fighting changes 

 to an exhibition of competitive dancing when feminine spectators 

 arrive at the tilting ground ; with hoarse cries the excited birds 



