Black-billed Capercaillie
NameBlack-billed Capercaillie
Common NameBlack-billed Capercaillie
Scientific NameTetrao urogalloides
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)100
Length (cm)88
Weight (g)3750
Plumage DetailsMales are predominantly blackish with a metallic green sheen on the breast, a prominent red comb above the eye, and a large, fanned tail with distinctive white spots on the undertail coverts and outer tail feathers. The bill is black.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a series of deep, booming calls, clucking, and hissing sounds during their elaborate courtship displays, often accompanied by wing-whirring.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across eastern Siberia, northern Mongolia, northeastern China, and parts of Sakhalin Island, inhabiting coniferous and mixed boreal forests.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Dark blackish plumage (male), Fanned tail with white spots, Prominent red eye comb (male), Black bill
Description
The Black-billed Capercaillie is a large, dark grouse species native to the taiga forests of eastern Asia. Males are known for their impressive courtship display, fanning their tail feathers and emitting booming calls to attract females.
