While their numbers have declined in recent years, ongoing conservation efforts are helping to increase populations, especially in areas like Ruabon Mountain
Black Grouse are a lekking bird and they are very site faithful for their leks. Somewhere around 30 birds gather in what looks like a small disused quarry.
The blackish blue males have distinctive red wattle over the eye and show a striking white stripe along each wing in flight. The black grouse can be seen throughout the year but are at their most flamboyant and noticeable during the lek.
The lek is when males visit a spot as a group, to display, in the hope of mating. The lek generally begins to heat up in early April, raising to its peak around early to mid-May when the females, known as Greyhens, decide to grace the lek with their presence to select their mate.