Worthwhile to watch the capercaillie morning displays

Submitted by Looduskalender EN on Wed, 02.05.2018 - 09:53
Autorid

Screencap Juta, Lk forum

Translation Liis

 

Estonian text posted 28.04.2018

Image
Capercaillie cock in the lek area at 6 o’clock in the morning
Body

Capercaillie cock in the lek area at 6 o’clock in the morning

 

Capercaillie          Metsis or mõtus         Tetrao urogallus

 

 

In the mornings the capercaillie lek is certainly worthwhile to watch in the portable web camera and of course to listen to the lek-time  sounds of the capercaillie cocks , creaking etc. The capercaillie lek still lasts but is fading out in the first half of May.

There are not many capercaillie display sites left; they are usually located in old pine forests, near larger bog areas.  Some lek areas have lasted fifty years if no felling has taken place there although the centre of the  lek area may shift a little.

The centre of the lek area that is visible in the camera is taken by sexually mature more than three years old cocks who in competing with each other also may have battles between themselves or simply  scare off weaker cospecifics. Younger cocks, up to a couple of years old keep to the margins of the lek area and may also visit lek areas nearby if there might be such.

We have to do with the largest Galliformes birds in Europe. Fully grown capercaillies with a glossy black plumage weigh 4-5 kilos. During the display the large tail is spread out like a fan.

In the next few days we will see the capercaillie hens and their doings in the lek area.

Those who are interested can also read about the conservation plan for capercaillies: LINK

We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience.

We also use analytics & advertising services. To opt-out click for more information.