Dec 26, 2024
the hazel grouse, also known as the hazel hen, is a small member of the grouse family found across the palearctic as far east as hokkaido, and as far west as central europe. as is typical for gamebirds, the female (hen) raises a clutch of 3-6 chicks without assistance from the male. they prefer damp deciduous forest habitat, preferably with a high percentage of spruce. they primarily feed on plants with the exception of a heavy increase in insect consumption during the breeding season. the sexes can be distinguished by a few features; males have a short erectile crest (shorter in females), and a white-bordered black throat that females lack.
