Caucasian Grouse
A species of Black and Caucasian Grouse Scientific name : Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi Genus : Black and Caucasian Grouse
Caucasian Grouse, A species of Black and Caucasian Grouse
Botanical name: Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi
Genus: Black and Caucasian Grouse
Content
Description
Photo By Lars Petersson 
Description
The Caucasian grouse or Caucasian black grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi) is a large bird in the grouse family. It is closely related to the black grouse (L. tetrix). It occurs in extreme southeastern Europe and adjacent regions. The scientific name of this bird commemorates the Polish naturalist Ludwik Mlokosiewicz. As with many gamebirds, the cock (male) is larger than the hen (female), measuring 50–55 cm compared to her length of 37–42 cm. The cock is very distinctive, with all-black plumage, apart from red eyebrows, and a long, deeply forked tail. The female Caucasian grouse is grey with dark barring, and has a cackling call. The Caucasian grouse is a sedentary species, breeding in the Caucasus and Pontic Mountains of northeast Turkey on open slopes with low Rhododendron or other scrubs but in proximity to deciduous broad-leaf forest. These bird have a group display or lek in May and June. Unlike the male Eurasian black grouse, the Caucasian grouse display is almost mute but for a thin whistling of the cock fluttering his wings as he leaps and turns in the air, producing a flash of white as the underwing feathers are briefly revealed. The hen lays up to ten eggs in a ground scrape and takes all responsibility for nesting and caring for the chicks, as is typical with gamebirds. This is perhaps the least-known of all grouse in the world, and it was formerly classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN. Recent research shows that it is declining to some extent, and it is consequently listed as a Near Threatened species in 2008 with an estimated population of 30,203–63,034 worldwide in 2010. Conservation efforts have included encouraging ecotourism as a way to promote awareness of the bird and its habitat. 
Size
53 cm
Feeding Habits
Caucasian Grouse consumes birch buds, juniper fruits, and various alpine plant parts, adapting seasonally. Initially, chicks eat mainly insects. Foraging occurs during early morning and evening, showcasing a diverse diet with occasional insect consumption.
Habitat
The habitat of caucasian Grouse is characterized by a transitional zone at the upper limits of mountain forests dominated by species like oriental spruce and birch, leading into subalpine meadows with features such as rhododendron thickets. After hatching, broods expand their range to alpine meadows. Adult males display a preference for ravine environments with tall grass for protection against predators, while females and younger males stay in open, food-rich areas. In summer, caucasian Grouse is typically found in subalpine meadows, and winters are spent in the upper forest zones.
Dite type
Herbivorous
Photo By Lars Petersson 
Scientific Classification
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