PINE-WOOD STUDIES 13 



reddish-brown, spotted and blotched with darker 

 orange. Considering the weight of the bird an 

 adult male attaining sometimes to thirteen pounds 

 the flight of the capercailzie is not laboured, and it 

 sometimes flies miles at a stretch. 



In extending their range the hens precede the males 

 by one or two years, and the rule which regulates 

 local migration is from old forests to new. Young 

 trees would seem to afford more suitable food and 

 better shelter than old; and as the most recently- 

 planted tracts are along the valley slopes having 

 southern exposures, these have naturally been 

 followed. The species is not averse to forests of oak, 

 beech, and birch, and sometimes visits the hazel 

 copses. In autumn it betakes itself to the heather 

 tracts, and ascends to a considerable altitude. 

 The birds which by stress of circumstance are found 

 farthest away from suitable habitats are pro- 

 portionately stunted in growth, and show least 

 disposition to breed. It is said that the birds of the 

 deep pine forests of northern Europe never quit 

 them during winter, whilst those of the lesser woods 

 and copses descend to the lower lands at the coming 

 of snow or severe weather. The indigenous Pinus 

 sylvestris affords the chief food of the capercailzie, 

 this consisting of tender shoots and leaves. Spruce, 

 fir, and the other species of pine are only patronised 

 when sylvestris is wanting. And in addition to the 



