Black grouse (Tetrao tetrix)

Also known as the blackcock, this sedentary galliforme is the symbol of the European Alps and can often be found on the edge of forests and in light woods. It is closely linked to the larch forest in the Mercantour.
The male’s plumage is of a bluish-black colour with white bar on its wing and under its tail which is the shape of a lyre. This is very different to the female’s plumage. She is light brown with dark brown stripes and she is also much smaller. Above the male’s eye is a red caruncle which can be of varying size – in the spring it is very prominent – and the male also has a short beak.
Its courting rituals are legendary. The males engage in a lek and confront each other in vocal contests.