The capercaillie, the largest of the grouse family, was exterminated in Scotland
in 1785. Reintroduced during the nineteenth century, it once again faces crisis.
Gaelic Name: Capall Coille. Meaning: Horse of the woods.
Statistics: Body length 60-87cm, wingspan 87-125cm, weight 1.5-5kg.
Physical Description: Huge grouse with broad wings and tail and a heavy bill.
Dark brown-black, with white marks on the shoulder and a green, glossy breast.
Scottish Distribution: Winters and breeds in Grampian and Perthshire glens,
Loch Lomond islands and Affric. There are others scattered elsewhere in Scotland.
Habitat: Native Caledonian pinewoods.
Diet: In Summer: leaves, berries and the stems of bilberry, crowberry,
cloudberry and sedges. In winter: pine needles and shoots.
Latin Name: Tetrao urogallus
