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Capercaillie

What action is going on for this species?

The following will give you information on what work has been taking place through the Species Action Framework :

Species background

The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is a large game bird of open mature pinewoods.  Males have a slate-grey plumage, with a blue sheen over the head, neck and breast, reddish-brown upper wings with a prominent white shoulder flash, a bright red eye ring, and long tail. Females are brown with a dark chestnut-red tail, which is fan-shaped.

Why is this on the Species Action List?

It satisfies criterion 1a of the Species Action Framework as a species for conservation action.  The breeding population has declined considerably over the past 25 years. 

Knowledge of the general ecology of the species is good (although some further research is needed).  Work which has been undertaken through a LIFE project has shown that appropriate habitat management in core areas can lead to an increase in the population.

It is a UKBAP Priority Species and is on the Scottish Biodiversity List. It is listed on Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive and is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended, which also protects leks.

It is a high profile species, and a 'caperwatch' hide has been set up at Loch Garten RSPB reserve to allow the public to view lekking birds.

Habitat, distribution and abundance

The global population extends throughout the forests of mountainous and boreal regions of Scandinavia, central Europe, northern Asia and Siberia.

Its UK range is localized and centred on Strathspey, but extends south and west to the woodlands in Perthshire and around Loch Lomond as well as northwards into Ross-shire.

The Scottish population is found mainly in native pinewoods, in particular the old Caledonian Forest habitat, with dense ground cover of blaeberry and heather, but will also use commercial conifer plantations and small numbers remain in a few upland oak woods in Tayside.  Capercaillie require woodland containing trees of differing ages as well as boggy areas providing a good source of insects for chick feeding, and open areas where the male birds can 'lek'.  It winters in similar habitats to those used in summer months, although dense areas of young trees provide additional shelter in bad weather.

The European breeding population is large (over 760,000 pairs), with notable populations in Russia and Scandinavia. A repeat national survey in 2003/04 indicated that the population had increased to 1,980 individuals, though the confidence limits on this estimate are wide. The most recent population estimate suggests the population has stabilized in the core areas of Deeside and Speyside.

General ecology

Adult birds feed on blaeberry from early spring through to summer, as well as plant buds, pollen cones, flowers, and seeds, with conifer needles being eaten primarily in winter.  Chicks initially require invertebrates, particularly caterpillars, to develop.  Males form leks in open areas of woodland forests in spring. Females lay between 5-12 eggs in a nest on the ground. Incubation takes from 26 to 29 days and chicks leave the nest very soon after hatching.  They remain with the hen through the summer and fledge in late August.

History of decline, contributory factors and current threats

The capercaillie probably became extinct in Britain in the mid-18th century, largely due to the destruction of native woodland habitat.  In 1837, birds from Sweden were reintroduced into Perthshire. In the early 1970s there were thought to be around 20,000.  Since then the numbers have fallen dramatically.  Expert opinion is that the 25-year decrease is over 50%, based on several data sources.  A number of possible causes of the decline are listed below:

  • The principal threat to the capercaillie is thought to be loss of suitable woodland habitat, partly due to over-grazing of blaeberry by sheep and deer.
  • Increased predation from crows and foxes, especially on breeding females.
  • Increased adult mortality through collisions with deer fences.
  • An increase in adverse weather conditions during June when chicks are newly hatched resulting in reduced breeding success.
  • Human disturbance, in part due to forestry operations and the recreational use of forest tracks, may also be involved in the species' decline.

The 'Species Lead' at Scottish Natural Heritage

Susan.Haysom@snh.gov.uk   Tel 01463 725000