(tetrao urogallus)
The (Western) Capercaillie is the largest member of the grouse family. It was once a resident bird in Scotland but was hunted to extinction in the 1780s. It was re-introduced from European stock first in Perthshire in 1837 and subsequently on various other dates and at various locations. Its habitat requirement is for old growth forest, especially Scots Pine, which is open enough to support ground vegetation rich in berry-bearing dwarf shrubs and heather ideally with some wet boggy areas and open patches. In spring the males gather in leks and put on a spectacular display to win the attention of the females which visit the lek only to mate. The females then nest and raise the young on their own.
The population in Scotland has declined from a possible maximum of 20,000 birds in the 1970s to about 1,000 by the late 1990s. This decline is probably due in part to climate change with spring warming being more prolonged and springs being wetter. Habitat loss is also a factor as is collision with forest boundary fences. Efforts are now being made to enhance suitable habitat locations and to remove or mark forest fences. The current population is estimated as 1,300 to 2,800 birds.
The bird is these photographs is an old male which no longer attends lek sites but holds a territory where females may choose to visit. Like all male Capercaillies it can be quite aggressive and will attack persons who come too close. It has a very powerful beak which could inflict a nasty injury so it is best to keep one's distance !