Now more than ever, the capercaillie needs help to ensure its future survival.

The capercaillie, one of the most spectacular and charismatic of birds, sadly continues to remain one of our most endangered.

From a population high of 20,000 or more in the 1970s, these birds – always restricted to the forests of Scotland – declined dramatically and by winter 1998-99 there were only around 1,000 birds left.

We risk losing a truly remarkable bird. There is little to compare with the drama, personality and pride of a capercaillie lek. This powerful and magnificent bird is almost magisterial: a king in his pinewood domain.

The name capercaillie comes from the Gaelic 'capull coille', meaning 'horse of the woods'. This is in fact the largest grouse in the world, so highlanders may have called it this because of the bird’s massive bulk, crashing though low-hanging branches at speeds of up to 40 mph, or because of the unusual 'klopping' sound it makes as it calls.

Research on the capercaillie

Much research and conservation effort was undertaken by the RSPB and other partners and landowners into solving the problems faced by the capercaillie and a national survey in 2003-4 brought the encouraging news that our work was beginning to have an effect, with the population estimated to have doubled to 2,000.

However, wet and cold weather in late May/early June – the key breeding period – in both 2004 and 2005 has hampered further progress. Spring 2006 was much better and initial survey results are looking promising.

When species decline, there are often a number of reasons. This is true in the case of the capercaillie, where scientists agree that a number of factors are responsible, including loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, increased predation by foxes and crows, fatal collisions with deer fences, poor weather in the breeding season and disturbance.

Caper Life programme

We have been able to sustain a comprehensive conservation programme for the capercaillie, working in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Executive and numerous private forest owners.

This has been made possible through the European Caper Life programme, with £5 million worth of work being carried out over the past five years. Sadly, this crucial source of money has now ended.

Give a gift to capercaillie

Time is not on the capercaillie's side. Can you help us in our efforts to save this magnificent bird by making a donation today?

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