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Glite Dictionary
black grouse

black grouse

8.5
A large bird from Europe and Asia whose male is blue-black with a curved tail
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : gallo lira
  • In Scotland, the black grouse can often be seen in moorland habitats where it feeds on heather.

Examples

  • During spring, the black grouse performs elaborate displays to attract females.

  • The male black grouse is easily recognized by its bluish-black feathers and lyre-shaped tail.

  • Pair up female and male black grouse that have no chemistry - the female isn't interested in the male.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Photo (color): Male black grouse attempts to impress a female.

    Academic text (2001)

Synonyms

Lyrurus tetrix
vsblack grouse
  • Specialized
9.9

A large northern European grouse with males that are mostly black and tails shaped like a lyre

is the common English name rather than the Latin term
heathfowl
vsblack grouse
  • UK
9.9

A large bird from northern Europe with black feathers and a curved tail

is the more widely used modern common name
European black grouse
vsblack grouse
  • UK
8.7

A large black bird from northern Europe with a tail that curves like a lyre

is the general species name without regional emphasis

Surface Forms

black grouse singular
black grouses plural

Morphology

black + grouse

The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun combination: 'black' (color) modifying 'grouse' (a type of bird), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a grouse that is black or dark-colored. Although it names a specific species, the composition is fully transparent and follows common cross-linguistic patterns for color + animal naming.

Etymology

The name black grouse comes from the bird's appearance: the male is mostly dark, so people combined black and grouse to describe it. That's why black grouse now means this specific type of grouse.