Western capercaillie, also known as the Eurasian capercaillie, wood grouse, heather cock, cock-of-the-woods.

Size: It is the largest of all extant grouse species. Cocks (males) typically range from 74 to 85 centimetres in length with wingspan of 90 to 125 cm and an average weight of 4.1 kg. The capercaillie hen's body from beak to tail is approximately 54–64 cm long, the wingspan is 70 cm and weighs about 1.8 kg.

Vocalisations: The typical display vocalization of the Western Capercaillie contains four phases: clicks, trill, cork and whetting.

Habitat: Coniferous and mixed forests in spring, mostly pine forests on the edges of marshes, stands of aspen in autumn.

Behaviour: The capercaillie is a non-migratory sedentary species. They are not elegant fliers due to their body weight and short, rounded wings.
The western capercaillie lives on a variety of food types, including buds, leaves, berries, insects, grasses and in the winter mostly conifer needles. During winter, when a high snow cover prevents access to ground vegetation, the western capercaillie spends almost all day and night in trees, feeding on coniferous needles of spruce, pine and fir as well as on buds from beech and rowan.
In spring, a mating ritual at specific locations is typical. Polygamous. Nest on the ground near tree roots. At an age of 3–4 weeks chickens are able to perform their first short flights. 1,500-2,500 pairs nest in Latvia.

Interesting facts: To digest this coarse winter food, the birds need grit: small stones or gastroliths which they actively search for and devour.

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