ExploreBirds

Western Capercaillie

Tetrao urogallus

The Western Capercaillie is a large, beautiful bird found in forests. Males are known for their impressive courtship displays, puffing up their feathers to attract females. They are shy and prefer to stay hidden among the trees.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Capercaillie is a very large ground-dwelling bird. Males are striking with glossy dark plumage, a metallic green breast, and bright red eyebrows, contrasting with the smaller, camouflaged mottled brown females.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyPhasianidaeGenusTetrao
Western Capercaillie
feathered trait badgecrested trait badgesolitary trait badgesinging trait badge
Western Capercaillie

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Capercaillie chicks can fly short distances just two weeks after hatching!

It's Europe's largest grouse, often called the "King of the Forest."

Males perform a dramatic "lekking" dance to impress females.

Their strong claws help them walk easily over deep snow.

Special abilities

Ability

Booming Courtship Call

Western Capercaillie males can make a series of gurgling and booming sounds that helps them attract mates.

Ability

Winter Survival Gut

Western Capercaillie has specialized gut bacteria that allows them to digest tough conifer needles in winter.

Ability

Forest Camouflage

Western Capercaillie has mottled brown and black plumage that helps them blend perfectly into dense forest undergrowth.

Measurements & details

Length
54-90 cm
Wingspan
70-125 cm
Weight
1.5-6.7 kg
Lifespan
6-8 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
5-12
Incubation
26-29 days

Diet & Feeding

They mainly eat conifer needles, buds, and shoots, but also enjoy berries and insects in summer.

Age differences: Chicks eat mostly insects, gradually shifting to a plant-based diet as they grow.

Primary Foods

  • Pine needles
  • Spruce needles
  • Juniper berries
  • Bilberries
  • Heather shoots
  • Insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a bird in the wild, it's best to watch quietly from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Western Capercaillie?

54-90 cm

What is Western Capercaillie's wingspan?

70-125 cm

How much does Western Capercaillie weigh?

1.5-6.7 kg

How long does Western Capercaillie live?

6-8 years

How fast can Western Capercaillie move?

60 km/h

What does Western Capercaillie eat?

They mainly eat conifer needles, buds, and shoots, but also enjoy berries and insects in summer.

Where is Western Capercaillie usually found?

Forests

How does Western Capercaillie hunt?

Foraging

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