willow grouse

Marvellous adaptation

We often marvel at the superb adaptations of plants and animals to their surroundings. There are many examples, and here is an exceptionally good one – the willow grouse of the Swedish mountains.

Winter challenges

During winter, food is scarce and the ground is covered with deep snow. Severe cold and roving predators make life insecure.

Defying winter

Most birds of Sweden fly south in the autumn in order to avoid winter. But willow grouse remain in the North, despite the hardships. How do they get through the winter?