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  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    155972.jpg
  • Grey Partridge - Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    157192.jpg
  • Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    128940.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156789.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    155970.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    137613.jpg
  • Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    143757.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143958.jpg
  • Grey Partridge - Perdix perdix - female. L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156899.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156787.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156424.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156283.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    155971.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    155973.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    108795.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
    145822.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    157157.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa - Adult at nest with chicks. L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
    154637.jpg
  • Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    126616.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    104615.jpg
  • Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    143725.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143960.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143959.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156788.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143109.jpg
  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
    127292.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
    143482.jpg
  • Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus L 37-42cm. Familiar moorland gamebird. If alarmed, takes to the air explosively; flight comprises bouts of rapid wingbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Both sexes have uniformly dark wings. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has chestnut-brown plumage overall; fine feather markings visible at close range. Note red wattle above eye. Adult female has paler, more buffish grey and marbled plumage than male: well camouflaged when sitting on nest. Juvenile resembles adult female but with less well-marked plumage markings. Voice Utters a distinctive, go-back, go-back, go-back. Status Confined to heather moorland and feeds primarily on shoots of Heather and related plants. Moors are sometimes managed by selective burning for grouse (encourages young plant growth).
    113659.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
    125904.jpg
  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
    127293.jpg
  • Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    158047.jpg
  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    157519.jpg
  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    157518.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge - Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
    156863.jpg
  • Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    100868.jpg
  • Quail Coturnix coturnix L 16-18cm. Tiny, secretive gamebird. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly brown, streaked plumage, palest and unmarked on belly. Head has dark stripes; pale throat has black centre and is defined by dark lines. Adult female is similar but has pale throat. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Voice Song is diagnostic, trisyllabic phrase, often rendered ‘wet-my-lips’. Status Scarce migrant visitor whose numbers vary from year to year (100-1,000 calling birds). Arable farmland (especially barley) is favoured.
    127296.jpg
  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
    143779.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    143885.jpg
  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus Male bird in winter plumage L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
    144012.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
    145436.jpg
  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    157520.jpg
  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
    157516.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa - in flight. L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
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  • Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus L 37-42cm. Familiar moorland gamebird. If alarmed, takes to the air explosively; flight comprises bouts of rapid wingbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Both sexes have uniformly dark wings. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has chestnut-brown plumage overall; fine feather markings visible at close range. Note red wattle above eye. Adult female has paler, more buffish grey and marbled plumage than male: well camouflaged when sitting on nest. Juvenile resembles adult female but with less well-marked plumage markings. Voice Utters a distinctive, go-back, go-back, go-back. Status Confined to heather moorland and feeds primarily on shoots of Heather and related plants. Moors are sometimes managed by selective burning for grouse (encourages young plant growth).
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  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
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  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
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  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
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  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus - female L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
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  • Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus L 37-42cm. Familiar moorland gamebird. If alarmed, takes to the air explosively; flight comprises bouts of rapid wingbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Both sexes have uniformly dark wings. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has chestnut-brown plumage overall; fine feather markings visible at close range. Note red wattle above eye. Adult female has paler, more buffish grey and marbled plumage than male: well camouflaged when sitting on nest. Juvenile resembles adult female but with less well-marked plumage markings. Voice Utters a distinctive, go-back, go-back, go-back. Status Confined to heather moorland and feeds primarily on shoots of Heather and related plants. Moors are sometimes managed by selective burning for grouse (encourages young plant growth).
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  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
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  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa - in flight. L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
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  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
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  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus Male bird in winter plumage L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
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  • Quail Coturnix coturnix L 16-18cm. Tiny, secretive gamebird. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly brown, streaked plumage, palest and unmarked on belly. Head has dark stripes; pale throat has black centre and is defined by dark lines. Adult female is similar but has pale throat. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Voice Song is diagnostic, trisyllabic phrase, often rendered ‘wet-my-lips’. Status Scarce migrant visitor whose numbers vary from year to year (100-1,000 calling birds). Arable farmland (especially barley) is favoured.
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  • Quail Coturnix coturnix L 16-18cm. Tiny, secretive gamebird. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly brown, streaked plumage, palest and unmarked on belly. Head has dark stripes; pale throat has black centre and is defined by dark lines. Adult female is similar but has pale throat. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Voice Song is diagnostic, trisyllabic phrase, often rendered ‘wet-my-lips’. Status Scarce migrant visitor whose numbers vary from year to year (100-1,000 calling birds). Arable farmland (especially barley) is favoured.
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  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
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  • Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus L 37-42cm. Familiar moorland gamebird. If alarmed, takes to the air explosively; flight comprises bouts of rapid wingbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Both sexes have uniformly dark wings. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has chestnut-brown plumage overall; fine feather markings visible at close range. Note red wattle above eye. Adult female has paler, more buffish grey and marbled plumage than male: well camouflaged when sitting on nest. Juvenile resembles adult female but with less well-marked plumage markings. Voice Utters a distinctive, go-back, go-back, go-back. Status Confined to heather moorland and feeds primarily on shoots of Heather and related plants. Moors are sometimes managed by selective burning for grouse (encourages young plant growth).
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  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus female bird in winter plumage L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
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  • Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus Male bird in winter plumage L 34-36cm. Hardy, mountain gamebird. Indifferent to observers but easily overlooked: unobtrusive and blends in well with surroundings. In flight, both sexes reveal white wings and black tail. Forms small flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male in winter is white except for dark eye, lores and bill. In spring and summer, has mottled and marbled greyish buff upperparts, amount of white on back decreasing with time; belly and legs are white while striking red wattle fades by mid-summer. Adult female in winter is white except for black eye and bill. In spring and summer, has finely barred buffish grey upperparts; extent of white on back diminishes with time. Juvenile resembles uniformly brown female. Voice Utters a rattling kur-kurrrr call. Status Confined to Scottish Highlands, favouring rocky ground with lichens, mosses and other mountain vegetation.
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  • Mountain Quail - Oreortyx pictus - male
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  • Pheasant Phasianus colchicus L 55-90cm. Male is colourful and unmistakable; female is also hard to confuse. Takes to the wing noisily and explosively when flushed. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male typically has orange-brown body plumage, blue-green sheen on head, large and striking red wattle and long, orange barred tail; some birds have a white collar. Violet-blue birds are sometimes released. Adult female is mottled buffish brown with shorter tail than male. Juvenile resembles a small, short-tailed female. Voice Territorial male utters a loud, shrieking call, followed by bout of vigorous wing beating. In alarm, a loud ke-tuk, ke-tuk, ke-tuk is uttered as bird flies away. Status Introduced and established here since 11th Century. Widespread and commonest in wooded farmland. Observation tips Easy to find.
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  • Montezuma Quail - Cyrtonyx montezumae - male
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  • Montezuma Quail - Cyrtonyx montezumae - male
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  • Lesser Prairie-Chicken - Tympanunchus pallidicinctus - female
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  • Gambel's-Scaled Quail Hybrid
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  • Pheasant Phasianus colchicus L 55-90cm. Male is colourful and unmistakable; female is also hard to confuse. Takes to the wing noisily and explosively when flushed. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male typically has orange-brown body plumage, blue-green sheen on head, large and striking red wattle and long, orange barred tail; some birds have a white collar. Violet-blue birds are sometimes released. Adult female is mottled buffish brown with shorter tail than male. Juvenile resembles a small, short-tailed female. Voice Territorial male utters a loud, shrieking call, followed by bout of vigorous wing beating. In alarm, a loud ke-tuk, ke-tuk, ke-tuk is uttered as bird flies away. Status Introduced and established here since 11th Century. Widespread and commonest in wooded farmland.
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  • Macqueen's Bustard - Chlamydotis macqueenii
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  • Grey Partridge - Perdix perdix
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  • Northern Bobwhite - Colinus virginianus - male
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  • Mountain Quail - Oreortyx pictus - male
    150354.jpg
  • Montezuma Quail - Cyrtonyx montezumae - male
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  • Montezuma Quail - Cyrtonyx montezumae - male
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  • Lesser Prairie-Chicken - Tympanunchus pallidicinctus - male
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  • Greater Prairie-Chicken - Tympanunchus cupido - breeding male
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  • Gambel's Quail - Callipepla gambelii - Adult female
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  • Great Bustard, Otis tarda, male in flight, Spain
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  • Red Grouse - Lagopus lagopus scoticus
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  • Northern Bobwhite - Colinus virginianus - male
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  • Northern Bobwhite - Colinus virginianus - male
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  • Northern Bobwhite - Colinus virginianus - male
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  • Northern Bobwhite - Colinus virginianus - male
    150446.jpg
  • Mountain Quail - Oreortyx pictus - male
    150356.jpg
  • Mountain Quail - Oreortyx pictus - male
    150355.jpg
  • Montezuma Quail - Cyrtonyx montezumae - male
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  • Lesser Prairie-Chicken - Tympanunchus pallidicinctus - male
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  • Lesser Prairie-Chicken - Tympanunchus pallidicinctus - male
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  • Greater Prairie-Chicken - Tympanunchus cupido - breeding male
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  • Greater Prairie-Chicken - Tympanunchus cupido - breeding male
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  • Gambel's Quail - Callipepla gambelii - Chicks
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  • California Quail - Callipepla californica - Adult male
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  • California Quail - Callipepla californica - Adult male
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  • California Quail - Callipepla californica - Adult male
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  • Lady Amherst's Pheasant - Chrysolophus amherstiae - female.
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  • Pheasant Phasianus colchicus L 55-90cm. Male is colourful and unmistakable; female is also hard to confuse. Takes to the wing noisily and explosively when flushed. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male typically has orange-brown body plumage, blue-green sheen on head, large and striking red wattle and long, orange barred tail; some birds have a white collar. Violet-blue birds are sometimes released. Adult female is mottled buffish brown with shorter tail than male. Juvenile resembles a small, short-tailed female. Voice Territorial male utters a loud, shrieking call, followed by bout of vigorous wing beating. In alarm, a loud ke-tuk, ke-tuk, ke-tuk is uttered as bird flies away. Status Introduced and established here since 11th Century. Widespread and commonest in wooded farmland.
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  • Grey Francolin - Francolinus pondicerianus
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  • Little Bustard - Tetrax tetrax
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  • Red-legged Partridge - Alectoris rufa
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  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus
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  • Black Grouse - Tetrao tetrix
    161569.jpg
  • Northern Bobwhite - Colinus virginianus - male
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