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Glite Dictionary
capercailzie

capercailzie

9.9
A large black forest bird like a grouse that lives in Europe and Asia
  • noun
  • /ˈkæpərˌkeɪlzi/
  • UK
translation icon : gallo lira
  • The sight of a male capercailzie displaying its plumage is a highlight for birdwatchers.

Examples

  • Forests in Scotland are home to the rare capercailzie.

  • We spotted a capercailzie during our hike in the Scottish Highlands.

  • Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the endangered capercailzie.

  • The male capercailzie performed an impressive display to attract a mate.

  • The sight of a male capercailzie displaying its plumage is a highlight for birdwatchers.

  • Forests in Scotland are home to the rare capercailzie.

  • Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the endangered capercailzie.

Synonyms

capercaillie
vscapercailzie
  • UK
9.9

A large dark forest bird like a grouse that makes a loud mating display

is the alternate spelling form that matches the same description
Tetrao urogallus
vscapercailzie
  • UK
9.9

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

is the everyday common name used outside scientific contexts
horse of the wood
vscapercailzie
  • Archaic
9.9

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

is the standard common name preferred in modern references

Surface Forms

capercailzie singular
capercailzies plural

Etymology

Capercailzie comes from Scottish Gaelic capall 'horse' and coille 'wood', so it literally means 'horse of the woods'. That image helps remember the bird: it is a very large woodland grouse, and the male's dramatic courtship display makes it stand out in the forest.