the cocks fight

Cockfight

Capercaillies meet and mate in a special area, often on large, flat rocks in old forests. A male defends a territory, where he performs his display to attract females.

Fierce clashes

The fight along territorial borders gets fierce, when a new cock tries to establish himself. The fight is usually won by a larger and stronger individual.

Why fight fiercely

Competition for the females on the arena is hard. The females pick only one or very few males to mate with, and almost all prefer the same cocks. The females select successful cocks, large and strong ones, that have conquered central territories. Most cocks are left without mates.