Key information
The capercaillie is a huge woodland grouse, the large black males are unmistakable. They spend a lot of time feeding on the ground, but may also be found in trees, feeding on shoots and buds. They are a localised breeding species found in Scottish native pinewood, a rare and vulnerable habitat, and in commercial conifer plantations. The UK capercaillie population has declined so rapidly that it is at very real risk of extinction (for the second time) and is a 'Red List' species.
What they eat:
Berries, shoots and stems.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 60-87cm
- Wingspan:
- 87-125cm
- Weight:
- 3,500-5,000g (male); 1,500-2,500g (female)
Population:
- UK wintering:
- 1,100 birds
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Capercaillie (male)
Capercaillie (female)
