Western Capercaillie
Tetrao urogallus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="tetrao-urogallus"></birdfyi-bird>About
Europe's largest grouse (~3 kg), family Phasianidae, inhabiting old-growth boreal and montane forests. Males produce a remarkable gurgling lek display. Diet shifts seasonally from berries and insects to pine needles. Requires undisturbed mature forest; Least Concern globally.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 69.5 cm | 27.4 in |
| Weight | 3072.5 g | 108.38 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Strongly dimorphic. Male dark slate-blue with iridescent bottle-green gorget, brown wings, and red wattle over eye; fan-shaped tail. Female cryptically barred ochre, russet, and black with orange breast patch.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of mature coniferous and mixed forests from Scotland and Scandinavia east through Russia to Siberia; relict populations in central Europe.
Diet & Feeding
Relies on pine and other conifer needles in winter; forages for berries, shoots, herbs, and invertebrates in spring and summer.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 24-29 days. Fledging: 14-21 days.
Clutch Size
4-12
Sound
Song
Extraordinary lek song: four phases — ticking, popping, cork-pulling, then grinding 'shhhhh'; lasts 6–8 seconds. Largest grouse song; audible 500+ m in European forest. Alarm is a loud bark.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Tetrao |
| Species | Tetrao urogallus |
Distribution
Western Capercaillie has been recorded in 5 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Western Capercaillie eat?
Where does the Western Capercaillie live?
Is the Western Capercaillie endangered?
How does the Western Capercaillie nest?
What does the Western Capercaillie sound like?
How big is the Western Capercaillie?
What order and family does the Western Capercaillie belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family