Current Status

In the UK, Capercaillie became extinct in the mid-18th century and were re-introduced in the mid-19th. over recent decades numbers have declined rapidly throughout its range in Northern Europe, with the current UK population estimate now standing at 2,200 birds in winter.

The Capercaillie is listed on Annex 1 of the Birds Directive and Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is also listed on Schedules 2, 3 and 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

Follow this link to the E.U.'s website to view information on Capercaillie and other threatened bird species across Europe.

Schedule I part 1 of the wildlife & countryside act.  It is now an offence to recklessly or intentionally disturb a Capercaillie whilst it is lekking.  For example if bird watchers visit a known lek and disturb the birds this would be classed as reckless behaviour.  Capercaillie nests and incubating hens or hens with dependant young are also protected from reckless or intentional disturbance.  So if you let your dog off of the lead in a wood where there is known to be Capercaillie - it could be deemed to be reckless behaviour.  More information on the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the Nature Conservation Act 2004 are available on the JNCC website.

If you want to see Capercaillie lekking you can visit the Caperwatch hide at Loch Garten.