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Glite Dictionary
capercaillie

capercaillie

9.9
A large dark forest bird like a grouse that makes a loud mating display
  • noun
  • /ˌkæpərˈkeɪli/
  • UK
translation icon : gallo lira
  • We spotted a male capercaillie displaying its tail feathers at dawn.

Examples

  • The capercaillie is renowned for its spectacular mating dance in the forests of Scotland.

  • Habitat loss has made the capercaillie increasingly rare in certain parts of Europe.

  • The capercaillie is a fascinating bird to observe.

  • Have you ever seen a capercaillie in the wild?

  • The capercaillie is famous for its impressive courtship display during the mating season.

  • Foresters in northern Europe report a decrease in capercaillie populations due to habitat loss.

  • On our hike, we spotted a rare capercaillie among the tall trees in the forest.

Synonyms

capercailzie
vscapercaillie
  • UK
9.9

A large black forest bird like a grouse that lives in Europe and Asia

is the current standard spelling used in general English
Tetrao urogallus
vscapercaillie
  • UK
9.9

A very large forest bird, a type of grouse that lives in northern Europe and parts of Asia

is the common English name rather than the scientific label
horse of the wood
vscapercaillie
  • Archaic
9.9

A large dark bird that lives in forests in Europe and Asia

is the standard species name used in general English rather than a nickname

Surface Forms

capercaillie singular
capercaillies plural

Etymology

Capercaillie comes from Scottish Gaelic capall-coille, made of capall 'horse' and coille 'wood'. That 'horse of the woods' image helps you remember a very large forest grouse that lives in woods and makes a proud, showy display.