Western Capercaillie

Tetrao urogallus Linnaeus, 1758

Western Capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus, breeds in north-western and north-central parts of the Palearctic and is a forest grouse in the pheasant family. It is one of only two living species in Tetrao. Also called the Eurasian capercaillie, wood grouse, heather cock and cock-of-the-woods, it is the largest extant grouse. Males are nearly twice the size of females, showing marked sexual dimorphism. Linnaeus described it in 1758.

Order

Galliformes

Family

Phasianidae — Pheasants & Allies

Breeding range

Palearctic: nw, nc