Grouse, pheasants and partridges are a group of medium to large ‘game birds’ with round, stocky bodies and small heads. They have short, curved bills and stubby legs. In Scotland, there are seven species; black grouse, capercaillie, ptarmigan, red grouse, grey partridge, red-legged partridge and pheasant.
These birds are most commonly associated with game shooting but some species, particularly pheasants, are regularly seen roaming wild in the countryside.
Where do grouse, pheasants and partridges live?
Grouse, pheasants and partridges live in areas with large, open spaces with long grasses or heather.
Some species are only found in certain parts of Scotland but others, like red grouse and pheasants, are more common and widely distributed across the country.
What do grouse, pheasants and partridges eat?
Grouse, pheasants and partridges eat a range of vegetation as well as seeds, berries and insects. Their diet varies depending on species and availability of food.
When are chicks born?
Grouse and pheasants lay clutches of around six to 15 eggs between April and May. Partridges lay much larger clutches of between 10 and 20 eggs in April.
Grouse, pheasants and partridge eggs are incubated for around 21 to 28 days depending on species.
Unfortunately, most gamebirds lay their nests on the open ground which leaves their eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators. However, grouse lay their eggs next to a log, boulder or tree stump for extra protection.
Grouse, pheasants and partridges are precocial, meaning they can move around and feed themselves almost immediately after hatching. However, grouse chicks don’t learn to fly until around three weeks old.
Red-legged partridges are ready to leave the nest within a few days and grey partridges venture out on their own after just a few hours!
That’s wild
No other wild bird lays more eggs than a grey partridge, with an average clutch size of 15 eggs!
Common problems for birds of prey
Game shooting
We strongly oppose the killing of any animal for ‘sport’. However, game shooting remains legal in Scotland during open season for licenced gun owners.
Game birds are bred and raised specifically to be released onto shooting estates. Sadly, it’s common for them to be wounded and left to suffer instead of killed outright.
Other wild animals, such as foxes, are sometimes culled to prevent them preying on the game birds.
Road traffic accidents
Unfortunately, many game birds are killed in road traffic collisions every year. Click here for further advice.