H4 The Scottish Naturalist. 



THE CAPEKCAILZIE ( Tetrao urogallus) 



Is the largest and most beautiful species of all our grouse, and 

 is very abundant throughout Perthshire, occurring quite plenti- 

 fully within two miles of Perth, as on Kinnoull Hill, where it 

 is very common. It is about ten years since first I met with 

 them there. They were introduced at Taymouth in the year 

 1835, a number of eggs having been presented to Lord Breadal- 

 bane, by Mr. Buxton. The eggs were hatched in the nest 

 of the Black Grouse, and the young were carried about the 

 moors in boxes to feed. The Capercailzie feeds almost entirely 

 on the leaves of the Scotch fir ( Pi?ius sy/vestris), and also in 

 summer on the common fern and other wild plants ; but I 

 have seen them feeding greedily during winter on the corn 

 stooks during a late harvest. This, however, seems to be more 

 a local than a general habit, as I have never heard of it happen- 

 ing anywhere else. The male is a very large bird, measuring 

 3 feet and upwards, and weighing 10 lbs. to 12 lbs. It resem- 

 bles an eagle a good deal when seen flying between one hill 

 and another, which may account for the name it has earned 

 for being so bad to pheasants. I think, however, the greatest 

 harm it does them is caused by their own stupidity in mistaking 

 it for a bird of prey, and getting frightened. I have seen a 

 good deal of them, but I never even once saw the capercailzie 

 and pheasant fighting ; and it is even difficult for me to believe 

 that they do not agree (excepting in that one point), as it is 

 quite common for the females of both to deposit their eggs in 

 the same nest* This bird must be very destructive to the 

 plants upon which it feeds, the crop, when full, being very 

 large. During the spring time the cock struts about the 

 woods with the hens about him, much as a Turkey cock does 

 in a farm-yard, his wings trailing on the ground, and his tail 

 spread over his back. At this time he gives a peculiar cry, 

 calling on the females. When sprung, he makes pretty long 

 flights, always choosing the highest branches of the Scotch fir to 

 perch upon, and keeping a very strict look-out. A favourite perch 



• The male bird may also cause some damage by treading the hen pheasants, 

 which he is rather guilty of. The capercailzie is sometimes reared in a pheas- 

 antry along with the other birds, and seems to thrive well.— R. P. 



