Why do capercaillie hens become tame in the breeding season?

In recent years there have been reports of unusually tame behaviour in female capercaillies – the grey hens, which have been seen hanging around woodland car parks and other humanfrequented areas bordering their breeding habitat.

This unnatural behaviour not only puts the birds at grave risk, but also highlights a growing trend of disturbance. Capercaillies still thrive in many parts of Scandinavia, but there are similar recorded incidences in areas where numbers have crashed due to habitat loss – areas that also have a continual human presence in the form of dog walkers and mountain bikers.

Though little scientific research appears to have been done, the females’ behaviour also relates to a lack of cock birds in the vicinity. The hens are literally frustrated, driven by strong breeding urges and hormonal surges, and highly confused as a result. They thus behave akin to domestic broody hens – to their detriment.

The capercaillie population in Scotland is near to collapse, though the birds cling on in some strongholds.