What is the Capercaillie? The iconic Scottish bird 'at risk of extinction'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

In the ancient woodlands of the Highlands of Scotland, you might be lucky enough to come across one of the country's most recognisable birds.

The capercaillie is a large grouse with the male having striking black, brown and green plumage and red-ridged eyes.The largest of the grouse family, the capercaillie is at real risk of extinction in Scotland due to the fact there are only thought to be 542 of these magnificent birds left in the wild.

Over 80% of the species are found within the Cairngorm National Park.Shy and elusive they can be found foraging on forest floors or in low-lying branches of trees eating berries and shrubs.Fiercely territorial, the males' distinctive calls - which sound like hollow pieces of wood being struck together – can be heard in the pine forests of the Highlands as they challenge each other to prove their dominance.So brave are these birds when they are roused, they will happily challenge creatures four or five times their size – including any human who crosses their path.

Fanning their tale feathers behind them, they will charge across forest floors ready to fight. READ MORE: Tiny red squirrel kittens saved and hand-reared by dedicated team after being foundVicious battles can often erupt between two rivals with some of the birds often being badly injured in these fights for mating rights.