About Tetrastes bonasia (Linnaeus, 1758)
Tetrastes bonasia is a relatively small grouse, measuring 35–39 cm (14–15 in) in length. This plump bird has finely patterned overall plumage: it essentially has grey upperparts, brown wings, and white underparts flecked with chestnut. Males have a short erectile crest and a black throat bordered by white. Females have a shorter crest and lack the black coloration on the throat. When in flight, this species shows a grey tail with a black tip. Males produce a high-pitched ti-ti-ti-ti-ti call, while females make a liquid tettettettettet call. Due to this grouse's shyness and its dense woodland habitat, it is difficult to see. These calls, along with the burr sound of flying birds' wings, are often the only indication of the species' presence. This bird feeds on the ground, eating mainly plant food, and supplements its diet with insects during breeding season.
