©
© Ralph Martin
Conservation programme for birds in Switzerland - Priority species
Hazel Grouse
The Hazel Grouse is the smallest of the four grouse species native to Switzerland. It lives in coniferous and mixed forests in the Alps and the western Jura and prefers diverse forests with well-developed herb and shrub layers. The population size was estimated at 3,000–5,500 pairs for the Breeding Bird Atlas (2013–2016). Within its distribution range the trend seems to have been basically stable for some time. Only in the eastern and central Jura has the Hazel Grouse lost some habitat in recent decades. Key for the Hazel Grouse are shrub species bearing berries or catkins, which are the main food source for this species, especially in the colder part of the year.
Distribution and development
Schematic distribution
Schematic distribution during the breeding season (ochre), in winter time (dotted in blue) or during migration periods (dotted in vinaceous).
Breeding bird index
The graph shows the relative evolution of the breeding population in Switzerland (100 = mean value). Example: A value of 130 means that the population in the corresponding year was 30% above the mean value of the entire period considered.
Habitat and food
©
© Pierre Mollet
Rowans, bilberries and conifers in open areas provide excellent habitat for the Hazel Grouse.
©
© Niklaus Zbinden
Rowans and conifers in open areas, such as here in the northern foothills of the Alps, provide food and cover for the Hazel Grouse.
Conservation programme for birds in Switzerland - Priority species
Hazel Grouse
The Hazel Grouse is the smallest of the four grouse species native to Switzerland. It lives in coniferous and mixed forests in the Alps and the western Jura and prefers diverse forests with well-developed herb and shrub layers. The population size was estimated at 3,000–5,500 pairs for the Breeding Bird Atlas (2013–2016). Within its distribution range the trend seems to have been basically stable for some time. Only in the eastern and central Jura has the Hazel Grouse lost some habitat in recent decades. Key for the Hazel Grouse are shrub species bearing berries or catkins, which are the main food source for this species, especially in the colder part of the year.
Birds of Switzerland
Hazel Grouse
To the species profile in the bird database
Project managers
Threats, activities and forecasts
Limiting factors and threats
By far the most important limiting factor for the Hazel Grouse in Switzerland is the structure of the forests. Hazel Grouse need a minimum proportion of conifers for visual protection from predators, as well as berry- or catkin-bearing shrub species.
Breeding season
- The weather in the months of June and July is essential to breeding success, with wet weather increasing chick mortality.
- Good cover is important for protection against predators such as foxes, martens, eurasian goshawks and eurasian sparrowhawks.
Migration/ Winter
- In winter, Hazel Grouse depend on berry- or catkin-bearing shrub species because once there is snow on the ground this is the only food they can find.
Necessary activities
Monitoring
- The only monitoring of the Hazel Grouse in Switzerland is through the recording of random observations, primarily by the Swiss Ornithological Institute, and in some cases also by individual cantons.
- In the central and eastern Jura, more intensive monitoring would be key to improving conservation of the species.
Conservation
- Small-scale conservation projects in individual cantons, first in Valais and Neuchâtel, now also in Uri.
- Improvements are aimed at providing sufficient space and thus, also light for its main food plants and ensuring there is sufficient cover.
- What is most needed is a project to clarify where in the Jura conservation is possible and appropriate.
Research
- The Swiss Ornithological Institute is testing the possibility of verifying the presence of Hazel Grouse using automatic sound recording devices and analysis software.
Prospects for success and prognostics
- In the Alps (including foothills) above approx. 1100 m asl, the outlook for the Hazel Grouse is good. The conditions (coniferous forest, plenty of berry-bearing shrubs) are right.
- In the Jura, forest dynamics (retreat of coniferous species, increasing dominance of deciduous species) mean that it is likely to retreat to higher elevations, so in the long term the species will probably survive only in the western Jura.
Conservation measures and stakeholders
Create patchy vegetation
Creating patchy forests through forest management.
Cantons
Forestry
Municipalities
Prevent / minimize disturbances
Disturbance by humans, dogs or vehicles can have an adverse impact on habitats and lead to breeding losses, for example.
Hunting and fishing
Municipalities
Parcs
Tourism and sport
Increase shrub coverage
Conserving a minimum proportion of conifers in the tree layer provides the visual protection that the Hazel Grouse needs, especially in winter.
Cantons
Forestry
Municipalities
Publications
©
© Ralph Martin
Birds of Switzerland
Hazel Grouse
One of the most favourite behaviour patterns of the Hazel Grouse is its skilful game of hide-and-seek. Due to its wonderful plumage pattern, it is excellently camouflaged in the varied light of the forest floor. Encounters with it are usually equally surprising for the observer as for the bird, so that often nothing but whirring flight sounds and its dark terminal tail band remain as...
To the species profile in the bird database
