black grouse

American  

noun

1. a large grouse, Lyrurus tetrix, of Europe and western Asia, the male of which is black, the female mottled gray and brown.

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black grouse British  

noun

1. Also called: black game.  a large N European grouse, Lyrurus tetrix , the male of which has a bluish-black plumage and lyre-shaped tail

2. a related and similar species, Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi , of W Asia

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Etymology

Origin of black grouse

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

black grouse

It happened close to important breeding sites for threatened bird species such as curlews and black grouse.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2025

But overall he claimed there were more "losers than winners" for the reserve, with regular residents such as black grouse and golden plover in decline.

From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2019

Lake Hlyboke, by far the most radioactive waterway in the world, is another “most contaminated” place, where I spotted a black grouse, a flock of partridges, and three roe deer during an hour’s visit.

From Slate ● Jan. 21, 2013

I was too late to see the “lek,” as the black grouse mating dance is called.

From Washington Post

GROUSE.—These birds are divided into wood grouse, black grouse, red grouse, and white grouse.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)