Western Capercaillie

Least Concern

Tetrao urogallus

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The largest grouse in Europe, this forest-dwelling bird puts on an impressive mating display that's a sight to behold in the wild.

Visual Identification

Western Capercaillie

Western Capercaillie

Appearance

The Western Capercaillie is a large, ground-dwelling grouse with striking sexual dimorphism. Males are predominantly black with a glossy blue-green sheen on the chest, a distinctive red eyebrow, and a large, fan-shaped tail. On the chin and throat area, spiky black feathers give the appearance of a beard.

Females are significantly smaller and sport mottled brown plumage with barring, providing excellent camouflage. Both sexes have feathered legs and feet, an adaptation to their cold habitat, and short, thick, hooked bills.

Size

Length

60cm to 87cm

Wingspan

87cm to 125cm

Weight

1.5kg to 6.5kg

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Black Brown

Secondary Colour

Green White

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Western Capercaillies inhabit boreal and montane coniferous forests across Eurasia, from Scotland and Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. They prefer mature forests with a diverse understory and open areas for lekking.

In the UK, they are now restricted to the Scottish Highlands, where reintroduction efforts have had limited success. Their range has contracted significantly due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Vagrant

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 65
Strength 80
Adaptability 70
Aggressiveness 60
Endurance 75

Diet

Western Capercaillies have a varied diet that changes seasonally. In winter, they primarily feed on conifer needles, especially pine. During spring and summer, they consume leaves, buds, berries, and insects.

Their specialised digestive system allows them to process tough plant material efficiently.

Behaviour

Western Capercaillies are known for their elaborate courtship displays. Males perform a complex ritual on traditional leks, fanning their tails and making distinctive clicking and popping sounds.

They are generally solitary outside the breeding season, foraging on the ground and roosting in trees at night.

Vocalisation

Male Western Capercaillies produce a series of distinctive sounds during their courtship display. This includes a loud 'pop' or 'cork' sound, followed by a scraping noise often described as 'crushing gravel'. Females make soft clucking calls. Both sexes may produce alarm calls when disturbed.

Nesting & Breeding

The breeding season for Western Capercaillies begins in late March to early April. Males gather at traditional lekking sites to perform elaborate courtship displays, competing for female attention.

Females construct simple ground nests in dense vegetation, often at the base of a tree. They typically lay 6-8 pale yellow or buff-coloured eggs with brown spots. The nest is a shallow scrape lined with plant material and feathers.

Incubation lasts about 26-29 days, carried out solely by the female. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching, staying with the hen for several months.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 6 - years
Max Recorded Lifespan 18 years [1]
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years

The Western Capercaillie typically lives for 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 18 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

While globally listed as Least Concern, Western Capercaillies face regional declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

In the UK, they are critically endangered, with conservation efforts focused on habitat management and predator control in Scotland.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

3,325,000 - 5,275,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[4]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Western Capercaillies in mature coniferous forests, especially those with a mix of pine and spruce.
  • Listen for the distinctive 'cork-popping' sound of males during the spring breeding season.
  • Be patient and quiet; these birds are shy and easily disturbed.
  • In the UK, focus on the Scottish Highlands, where small populations persist.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Wood Grouse, Capercaillie

Family:

Phasianidae

Predators

Main predators include foxes, pine martens, and large birds of prey such as golden eagles and goshawks.

Did You Know?

  1. The Western Capercaillie is the largest member of the grouse family.
  2. Males can weigh up to four times more than females, one of the most extreme size differences in birds.
  3. Their scientific name, Tetrao urogallus, means 'tail-cock' in Greek, referring to their impressive tail display.

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References

  1. 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Tetrao urogallus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22679487A85942729.

    View source
  2. 4

    report, 2002: Madge and McGowan

  3. 1

    website, 2000: Carey and Judge, Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish

    View source