Black grouse strut their stuff
Post categories: birds
| 15:54 UK time, Thursday, 19 March 2009
Did you know that when it comes to wild and wacky courtship displays, Wales is a little-known hot-bed? And we're not talking about St Mary's Street on a Saturday night here.
It's the black grouse mating season and Coed Llandegla Forest in Denbighshire is one of the few places in the UK where you can get to see the beautiful glossy black birds strutting their stuff close up.
The male black grouse perform their elaborate early morning displays from the end of March through April and May in woodland mating arenas known as . Their showy behaviour involves a dramatic dance-off with white tail feathers flashing, crimson eye-combs aflame and a cooing, bubbling call to attract the females. All of which sure beats cheesy chat-up lines.
The are offering people an organised opportunity to view this ornithological love-in from a purpose-built hide at as part of their project. Wildlife presenter Mike Dilger will lead the first in a series of this Saturday, Saturday 21 March.
Want to see more bird courtship displays:
- Read an RSPB article about how 'couples' renew their bond with elaborate skypointing courtship displays.
- Rather than compete for females, male co-operate with their friends, according to this ´óÏó´«Ã½ News story.
- A dominant female searches for a mate in this classic ´óÏó´«Ã½ clip on You Tube.
- View an image from The Guardian of a pair of making a classic heart shape with their necks.
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