Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi
The Caucasian Grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi) is a strikingly dimorphic gamebird endemic to the rugged Caucasus Mountains. Males are resplendent, measuring approximately 50-55 cm in length with a wingspan of 80-90 cm, cloaked in glossy jet black plumage, highlighted by brilliant scarlet wattles above the eyes and a magnificent lyre-shaped tail with deeply splayed outer feathers. Females, considerably smaller at 35-40 cm, exhibit cryptic rufous-brown and black barring, providing camouflage in t...
This grouse primarily inhabits high-altitude subalpine and alpine zones, typically found between 1,800 to 3,000 meters, favoring open slopes with rhododendron thickets, dwarf juniper, and grassy meadows often bordering the upper treeline.
Their diet is primarily vegetarian, consisting of buds, shoots, catkins, leaves, and berries from various alpine shrubs and plants like rhododendron, bilberry, and willow, supplemented with insects during the warmer months.
Caucasian Grouse are largely diurnal, spending their days foraging on the ground and typically roosting in dense shrubs or snow depressions overnight. Their most remarkable behavioral trait is the elaborate communal courtship display at leks, where multiple males gather at dawn to perform competi...
The Caucasian Grouse is strictly endemic to the Caucasus Mountain range, with its distribution spanning parts of Russia (primarily the Greater Caucasus), Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and extending into northeastern Turkey. It is a non-migratory, resident species, exhibiting only altitudinal move...
Near Threatened
- The Caucasian Grouse was named after Ludwik Młokosiewicz, a Polish zoologist and botanist, in recognition of his explorations in the Caucasus region. - Its magnificent lyre-shaped tail feathers, particularly those of the male, have historically been used in traditional folk costumes and decorat...