capercaillies

Capercaillies, or capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus, are the largest living grouse species, in the family Phasianidae. They inhabit broad expanses of mature forests across Europe and into Asia and are notable for their spring lekking displays.

Adults: Males are among the heaviest birds in the Galliformes, typically 4–6 kg (some individuals exceed 7 kg), with dark iridescent plumage, a shaggy crest, and a red eye comb. They can be 90–100 cm long. Females are smaller and more cryptically colored, usually 1.5–3 kg, with brown speckled plumage.

Distribution and habitat: Capercaillies favor mature coniferous or mixed forests with clearings for display. They occur from Western Europe to Siberia, though their range has become fragmented and much reduced in many areas due to forest modernization, fragmentation, and hunting.

Behavior and reproduction: They are lekking birds; males gather on leks in spring, display by fanning tails, puffing plumage, and booming calls. Females visit leks to choose a mate. Nesting occurs on the forest floor; a clutch typically contains 4–9 eggs; incubation lasts about 24–28 days. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest within a few days; they are dependent on the mother for several weeks.

Diet and ecology: They are omnivores, feeding on buds, shoots, leaves, berries, seeds, and in winter on twigs and bark; chicks require insects in early life.

Conservation: The IUCN lists the capercaillie as Near Threatened, with regional declines and fragmentation. Main threats include habitat loss and fragmentation from forestry and development, hunting pressure, predation on nests and chicks, and climate change. Conservation measures focus on forest management to maintain open ground within forests, protection from hunting, and monitoring and restoration of populations.