The black grouse

The black grouse or “black cock” inhabits the upper limit of the mountain forests. In the spring, the males gather together in arenas before dawn, cooing and hooting, furling their tails in the shape of a lyre. Heavily impacted by the development of ski resorts, their habitat has been reduced to the benefit of the slopes. In winter, they spend 90% of their time at rest, huddled in a tunnel dug in the snow as the slightest disturbance can threaten their survival.