Western Capercaillie

Scientific Name: Tetrao urgellus

Subspecies: There are at least 11 recognised subspecies

Distribution: Common in parts of Northern Europe and west-central Asia. Also found in Scotland, the Pyrenees, the Alps and other European mountains.

Habitat: Mature mixed coniferous forest with an relatively open canopy.

Description: Large member of the grouse family. The males and females an be easily distinguished by their size and colouration. Males black with brown back and wings. Large head with ragged “beard”. Red wattle above the eye. Typically 74 -85cm in length and around 4 to 5 kg in weight. The hens are much smaller, 54 - 64 cm in length and 1.5 - 2.5 kg in weight. Barred brown plumage with some white and a distinctive orange breast.

Hunting method: Walking up with dogs, stalking.

Hunting available in: Norway, Sweden, Russia