In middle Europe – for instance - it can exist in the Alps, Black Forest, Bavarian Forest, Pyrenees, Jura, and in the Vosges. In Germany it mostly does not live under 1000 meters above sea level, e.g. in the National Park Black Forest or in the NP Berchtesgaden. It needs rather big habitats for its specific living procedures and nourishment over the year. The cock is bigger than a goose, the hen is much smaller. The species has a special Courtship display (Balz ritual). Globally these birds are categorized as least concern - according to the IUCN Red list - in Germany it is endangered. As with many other species, root causes are Habitat destruction and/or disturbances by Tourism, and/or the consequences of global warming. In a nutshell, the living conditions of a species are influenced by its necessary Habitat, the given or lack of Nourishment and Predators. Some links for further information and facts, e.g.:

- Western Capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus) Information | Earth Life

- Capercaillie | The Wildlife Trusts

- Western capercaillie - Wikipedia

- Vogelporträt: Auerhuhn - NABU

- Auerhahn: Der größte Hühnervogel Europas im Steckbrief - das Tierlexikon (das-tierlexikon.de)

- Auerhuhn – Wikipedia

(last visit: 17. July 2024)