Towards a successful reintroduction of capercaillies - Activity, movements and diet of young released to the Lower Silesia Forest, Poland

Abstract

Combining radio-telemetry with direct observations, we followed 22 released juvenile captive-bred capercaillies throughout the day to assess if their seasonal and daily patterns of activity, movements, and diet are in accordance with published information on wild birds. Day length was the most important factor determining birds' mobility and activity. Capercaillies were active for 46 ± 2% of daytime, during which they mostly foraged (30 ± 2%). The average distance travelled per day was 0.93 ± 0.14 km. The time budget of capercaillies was mostly allocated to activities on the ground but they spent at least 20% of the daytime in trees. They fed primarily on blueberries, cowberries and pine needles. The mean daily feeding time in fall and winter was 3 h, but it increased to 6 h in spring and summer. We conclude that released birds behave similarly to wild birds and reintroduction of captive-bred capercaillies can be successful if the initial mortality is reduced.