Red Grouse

The remaining member of this genus that we shall consider is the very distinct Red Grouse (L. scoticus) of Great Britain, which has the distinction of being the only species of bird confined to the British Islands. It is also the only Ptarmigan that does not have a pure white winter plumage, its usual dress being reddish or chestnut-brown, barred and speckled with black, while the breast is almost black. In summer the general color is a little lighter, and in winter the under parts are often more or less mottled with white. It frequents the mountains and moors, feeding on shoots of the heather as well as buds, leaves, seeds, and fruits of such plants as grow on or near the moors, although the young chicks are said to be fed chiefly on small caterpillars.