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 'leks'. 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 RSPB are offering people an organised opportunity to view this ornithological love-in from a purpose-built hide at Llandegla Forest as part of their Date with Nature project. Wildlife presenter Mike Dilger will lead the first in a series of black grouse walks this Saturday, Saturday 21 March.
Want to see more bird courtship displays:
- Read an RSPB article about how gannet 'couples' renew their bond with elaborate skypointing courtship displays.
- Rather than compete for females, male long-tailed manakins co-operate with their friends, according to this BBC News story.
- A dominant female Cassowary searches for a mate in this classic BBC clip on You Tube.
- View an image from The Guardian of a pair of mute swans making a classic heart shape with their necks.
