Tetrao urogallus
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.
Length
60cm to 87cm
Wingspan
87cm to 125cm
Weight
1.5kg to 6.5kg
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 2,000 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Western Capercaillie. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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