Large grouse Lyrurus tetrix found on moors and in open woods in northern Europe and Asia. The male is mainly black with a lyre-shaped tail, and grows up to 54 cm/1.7 ft in height. The female is speckled brown and only 40 cm/1.3 ft tall. Their food consists of buds, young shoots, berries, and insects.

Blackcocks are polygamous, and in the spring males attract females by curious crowings. In males a piece of bright red skin above the eyes also becomes more intense during the pairing season.

They are related to the quail, partridge, and capercaillie, in the order Galliformes.