When it comes to unexpected sights on a ski trip, the western capercaillie might top the list. Looking like a cross between a wild turkey and a dodo bird (and sounding like a dinosaur!), these large ground birds are increasingly rare. The large bird is endangered in many Nordic regions. They are in the grouse family. Finnish skier Saila Koikkalainen was approached by this male western capercaillie, who might have been looking for love in all the wrong places.
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It is unusual to see these rare birds up close, but they can appear unexpectedly, as this skier discovered. The species is non-migratory, so its appearance in the snow is typical. They reside in areas with brushy vegetation and open-canopy forests. When they do fly, the takeoff results in loud, thunderous noise which scares other animals.
The skier was near Lapland, Finland, when they saw this male western capercaillie in full courting mode. We aren’t sure what it was courting, as no female was visible in the vicinity. The skier admits to having observed the rare birds many times, but never this closely. A week after this encounter, the same skier witnessed another male western capercaillie crossing the roadway during heavy traffic.
While the males have rich colors, with a brilliant tail plume, the females are morose, brownish-gray, and much smaller. Males can become territorial and aggressive during the mating season, which is in early spring. This male is exhibiting all the signs of active courting.
Birds often have elaborate courtship rituals. The hooded merganser is rather clumsy, but still adorable. The red-crested korhaan has an intricate dance, but humans rarely capture it on film. The western capercaillie struts with its tail feathers fanned out, making clicking noises, drooping, and dragging its wings.
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