After decades of decline, Notice encouraging signs for the capercaillie, one of Britain’s most endangered birds. Populations of the species, found only in the Caledonian pine forests of the Scottish Highlands, have increased by 50% at RSPB Abernethy, rising from 20 males in 2020 to 30 in 2025.
A Critical Lifeline
This increase is a vital boost for the “horse of the woods,” as the capercaillie is known locally. Current estimates place the total wild population at just 532 birds – the lowest recorded level in over 30 years. In the 1970s, more than 20,000 capercaillies roamed Scotland.
Male capercaillies are counted at these spring lekking sites, where they perform “flutter jumps” and make distinctive popping and clicking sounds. The species is facing a number of threats, including wetter weather patterns, habitat loss, increased predation, collisions with deer fences, and even disruption from human activity – including concerns about the impact of social media attention.
Innovative Conservation Efforts
At RSPB Abernethy, conservationists are employing innovative techniques to improve the capercaillie’s habitat. These include using a remote-controlled mower to remove heather and encourage the growth of blaeberry, a key food source, and deploying “virtual fence” collars on cattle to enable targeted grazing without the risk of bird collisions.
Abernethy currently holds more than 20% of the 143 lekking males recorded in the 2025 national lek count. Richard Mason, conservation manager at RSPB Abernethy, stated that the increase in numbers is “thanks to the huge amount of work we are undertaking to improve habitat quality.”
While acknowledging the progress, Mason emphasized that “there is still a lot of work to be done for capercaillie, not just at RSPB Abernethy, but across all capercaillie sites in Scotland.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the decline of the capercaillie?
The capercaillie is declining due to wetter springs and summers, loss of high-quality forest habitat, increased predation, collisions with deer fences, and human disturbance, with concerns that social media attention may as well be a factor.
Where can capercaillies be found in the UK?
Capercaillies are found only in the Caledonian pine forests of the Scottish Highlands within the UK.
What is being done to support the capercaillie population?
Conservation efforts include habitat management, such as removing heather with remote-controlled mowers and using virtual fence collars on cattle, to improve food sources and reduce collision risks.
What will it take to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species?
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