Feather in a cap

Published on 29/07/2012 00:00

In the 18th century it was known as the blackcock (or greyhen for female) and was a common quarry for hunters. But by the 20th century, numbers had declined due to loss of habitat and a rise in predators such as foxes. A voluntary shooting moratorium was introduced 20 years ago to stem decline.

However the World Conservation Union still denotes its status as of “least concern”, rather than threatened, due to a small resurgence in numbers in recent years in pockets of Scotland and northern England.

The bird’s elaborate mating ritual is known as a “lek”.

The black grouse’s tail has been part of traditional Scottish dress since the 19th century, 
on hats such as the Tam o’Shanter and in the dress glengarries of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

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