red grouse

American  

noun

1. a grouse, Lagopus lagopus scoticus, of the British Isles, a subspecies of willow ptarmigan lacking white winter plumage.

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red grouse British  

noun

1. a reddish-brown grouse, Lagopus scoticus , of upland moors of Great Britain: an important game bird

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Etymology

Origin of red grouse

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Many of the eight possible release areas have moorland used for driven grouse-shooting, a traditional field sport where red grouse, which golden eagles eat, are driven towards shooters by beaters.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

But with the fires destroying much of the vegetation in the area, Mr Fisher fears the red grouse will move out of the area, if the heather does not return.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025

While the licensing scheme initially applies only to red grouse, there are worries it will be extended to other birds such as pheasant.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2024

It all began with a trivia question raised among friends: Which is the fastest game bird in Britain, the golden plover or the red grouse?

From New York Times • Aug. 27, 2015

A dog who followed the horses set chase to the red grouse; they shrieked, flapped their wings, hid in the heather, shrieked, started up again and sought a circuitous way back.

From Magnhild Dust by Bjørnson, Bjørnstjerne