# Tetrao urogallus

**Capercaillie / Tjäder / Western Capercaillie**

- **Plumage:** Male mostly dark slate-grey with metallic blue-green breast shield, dark brown wings with white carpal spots, broad black tail flecked white. - **Beak:** Massive, heavy, pale ivory-horn coloured curved bill. - **Body build:** Enormous, heavy forest gamebird (male weight up to 4.5–5 kg) with a broad fan-like tail and sturdy legs. - **Distinctive details:** Bright scarlet-red bare skin crest (rose) above the eye, tufted beard feathers on chin, heavily feathered toes with comb-like pectinations.

The capercaillie is a symbol of intact pine forests in Scandinavia. In winter, it feeds almost exclusively on pine needles, a unique adaptation to the boreal cold.

## FAQs

- **What is the capercaillie?**: The western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is the largest member of the grouse family in Europe, known for the striking courtship displays of males in spring.
- **Where does this species live?**: It inhabits extensive, undisturbed coniferous forests (taiga) with a rich understory of dwarf shrubs (blueberries) and old pine stands.


## Weitere Informationen

- Illustration: Tetrao urogallus
- Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
- Native to Northern Sweden