Name:
Red Grouse
Did you know:
The chicks can fly within 13 days of birth
Found:
Heathland/Bogland
Length:
40cm
Weight:
600g
Lifespan:
2 years
More Info:
The red grouse relies on heather rich habitats such as upland heathland, blanket bogs and raised bogs for its habitat, as a food source and to conceal their nests in breeding season. Therefore a threat to these habitats, such as draining, fragmentation and excessive cutting of peat is a threat to the ongoing existence of the red grouse in Northern Ireland. It is currently a high priority species, with an alarming decline of 60% in the last 30 years. (source: NIEA 08)
External Links:
Red Grouse on the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) website