grouse
Moor-dwelling fowl
Grouse names several species of plump game birds found in northern regions, known for their feathered legs and elaborate mating displays: We flushed a grouse from the underbrush.
As a verb, grouse means to complain or grumble persistently: He's always grousing about the weather.
The complaining sense is unrelated to the bird—it emerged from British military slang.
Low, discontented murmuring
- mutterSpeak low and indistinctly
- whineComplain in high pitch
- gripeVoice minor displeasure
- moanLow vocal complaint
kvetch · carp · bellyache · beef · protest · fuss · nag · criticize
Arctic ground bird
- pheasantLarge ornamental game bird
- quailFlinch from fear
- partridgeGround-dwelling game bird
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
feathers · beak · wingbeat · nesting · habitat · species · ornithology · birder
Pursuing wild game
- shootingDischarging a weapon
- seasonYearly division or series
- gamekeeperEstate wildlife manager
- shotgunLong gun firing shot
beaters · flushing · retriever · bagging · quarry · wildfowl · marksmanship · license
Bird's complete feather coat
- crypticObscure in meaning
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- blendCombine into mixture
- mottledHaving irregular color patches
disguise · hide · covert · masking · seasonal · coloration · predator · protection
grumble
Low, discontented murmuring
moan · kvetch · carp · bellyache · beef · protest · fuss · nag · criticize · nitpick
ptarmigan
Arctic ground bird
plumage · feathers · beak · wingbeat · nesting · habitat · species · ornithology · birder · ornithologist
hunting
Pursuing wild game
- shootingDischarging a weapon
- seasonYearly division or series
- gamekeeperEstate wildlife manager
shotgun · beaters · flushing · retriever · bagging · quarry · wildfowl · marksmanship · license · decoy
plumage
Bird's complete feather coat
- crypticObscure in meaning
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- blendCombine into mixture
mottled · disguise · hide · covert · masking · seasonal · coloration · predator · protection · mimicry
heather
Moorland flowering shrub
- peatlandWetland with accumulated plant matter
- highlandElevated, mountainous land
- moorUncultivated peaty upland
upland · fell · bog · tundra · habitat · conservation · ecosystem · glens · Scotland · Yorkshire
- North American wildlifebald eagle, grizzly bear, moose, gray wolf, pronghorn
- bird huntingduck hunting, goose hunting, pheasant hunting, quail hunting, shotguns
- Grouse
- birdsrobin, crow, eagle, owl, duck
- wildlifewhite-tailed deer, birds, mammals, elephant, reptiles
- forest lifesquirrel, fox, rabbit, owl, woodpecker
grousepraise
Expression of approval
compliment · commendation · applause · plaudit · endorsement
- grouse huntingPursuing wild fowl afield