Capercaillie
Image: Дмитрий Щаницын (cc-by-nc)
NameCapercaillie
Common NameCapercaillie
Scientific NameTetrao urogallus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)100
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)4000
Plumage DetailsMales are predominantly dark grey to black with an iridescent green breast, a prominent red wattle above the eye, and a long, rounded tail. Females are smaller and cryptically patterned with barred brown, black, and white plumage, providing camouflage.
Vocalization / CallMales have a distinctive and complex courtship display call, often described as a series of clicks, gurgles, and a popping sound, culminating in a 'cork-popping' or 'whetting' sound. Females produce clucking calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, mixed forest, taiga
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across northern Eurasia, from Scotland and Scandinavia eastward through Russia to Siberia, and in scattered populations in central and eastern Europe.
Identifying Featuresvery large size, dark plumage (males), red wattle (males), long, rounded tail (males), barred brown plumage (females), forest habitat
Description
The Capercaillie is the largest member of the grouse family, known for its impressive size and the male's elaborate courtship display. These large, dark forest birds are typically found in old-growth coniferous or mixed woodlands, feeding primarily on plant matter.
