The capercaillie - basic facts
Habitat
Mixed coniferous forest throughout Sweden. Requires old-growth forest, which has not become increasingly patchy due to logging. Dependent on pines, especially in winter, when pine needles are the principal food.
Diet
Young chicks eat insects. Older chicks and adults eat berries, seeds, tender shoots and evergreen needles.
Reproduction
Mating takes place in April. The cocks gather at a special site, usually in sparse pine forest on rocky ground, to perform their mating display. The females also gather at the arena.
Eggs and chicks
The nest is formed on the ground. The female lays 5-12 eggs during May-June and broods them for four weeks. She then lives alone with her offspring for one month.
