Bird

Western Capercaillie Facts Tetrao urogallus

BirdHerbivore

Diet: They mainly feed on Vaccinium species, especially bilberry, find cover in young tree growth, and use the open spaces when flying.
Lifespan: Up to 18 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Classification

Family: Phasianidae. Order: Galliformes.

What Do Western Capercaillies Eat?

Diet classification: Herbivore. Recorded foods: They mainly feed on Vaccinium species, especially bilberry, find cover in young tree growth, and use the open spaces when flying.

Western Capercaillie Conservation Status

Western Capercaillie is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Diet: Herbivore
Lifespan: Up to 18 years (maximum recorded longevity)
Weight: 2.72 kg

Fun facts

As habitat specialists, they hardly use any other forest types.
The western capercaillie is adapted to its original habitats—old coniferous forests with a rich interior structure and dense ground vegetation of Vaccinium species under a light canopy.
Western capercaillies are not elegant fliers due to their body weight and short, rounded wings.