Black Grouse song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Black Grouse, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The male's lekking display includes a distinctive, bubbling, dove-like 'rookoo-roo' call, often described as 'hissing' or 'gurgling', which can carry over long distances. This is interspersed with sharp, explosive 'chwii-ish' or 'sneeze-like' calls.

Calls

Females have a harsh 'gok-gok-gok' alarm call. Both sexes may emit a 'whirring' sound during flight. Chicks have soft peeping calls.

When they vocalize

Males are most vocal during the lekking season (March to May), primarily at dawn and dusk. Females vocalize more during the breeding season, especially when disturbed near the nest or with chicks.

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