THE CAPERCAILLIE 



(Tetrao urogallus) 



THIS magnificent bird, the largest of its order in this 

 country, is one of the rarest and most local of those species 

 which are classed under the head of Game. In this country 

 it has seen many vicissitudes ; most of its favourite haunts 

 have been destroyed ; the bird itself has been exterminated, 

 and now once more it bids fair to re-establish itself in its old 

 quarters. Four hundred years ago the Capercaillie was 

 common enough in the pine forests of Scotland and the north 

 of England ; but since that date many of its native woods 

 were burned to destroy the wolves which then infested 

 Britain, and the poor bird became extinct. Fortunately for 

 British naturalists this handsome bird has been introduced 

 again to its old haunts, and is gradually spreading over 

 country which is suited to its requirements. The spruce fir 

 and larch forests are its favourite haunts, although it some- 

 times wanders to the birch and oak woods, and in autumn is 

 frequently flushed from the tall heather on the hillsides. It 

 delights to frequent the big pine woods, especially those that 

 are studded with small lakes and tarns and swamps, and is 

 occasionally found amongst the oak trees, for it is passionately 

 fond of acorns. The male bird is rarely seen amongst the 

 underwood except when moulting his plumage, but the 

 female is often observed on the ground. These northern pine 

 woods are full of wild romantic scenery, and some of the 



