The status of the Hen Harrier,Circus cyaneus,in the UK and Isle of Man in 2010

Capsule The fourth national survey of Hen Harrier showed that the population in the UK and the Isle of Man declined significantly between 2004 and 2010.

Aim To estimate the size of the breeding Hen Harrier population (with associated 95% confidence intervals) in the UK and Isle of Man, constituent countries and Scottish regions, in 2010 and calculate population change since previous surveys in 1998 and 2004.

Methods Complete surveys were made of 10-km squares likely to be occupied by breeding Hen Harriers in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, using standard methods developed for previous national surveys. In Scotland, a ‘census’ area was non-randomly selected for survey by volunteers, and randomly selected squares were surveyed in two strata covering the rest of the known range.

Results The UK and Isle of Man Hen Harrier population was estimated at 662 territorial pairs (95% confidence interval (CI): 576–770), a significant decline of 18% since 2004. Scotland holds the bulk (76%) of the population (505 territorial pairs; 95% CI: 417–612), with smaller numbers in Northern Ireland (59 pairs), Wales (57 pairs), the Isle of Man (29 pairs) and England (12 pairs). Declines of 49% and 20% were observed in the Isle of Man and in Scotland, respectively, whereas the Welsh population increased by 33%. A significant decrease was recorded in numbers of pairs using young and mature plantation forest in Scotland.

Conclusion The breeding population of Hen Harriers in the UK and Isle of Man declined between 2004 and 2010. Notable decreases in Scotland and the Isle of Man may be related to habitat change and illegal persecution. Illegal persecution continues to limit the population size of harriers in England to very low levels.     

Status of the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus in the UK and Isle of Man in 2004, and a comparison with the 1988/89 and 1998 surveys

Capsule The population of breeding Hen Harriers in the UK and Isle of Man increased between 1998 and 2004, although country and regional trends differed.

Aims To estimate the size of the UK and Isle of Man Hen Harrier breeding population in 2004, and to compare this with previous estimates made in 1988/89 and 1998.

Methods Surveys were carried out in core and a stratified random sample of 10-km squares throughout the known range, using the same methods as in the 1988/89 and 1998 national surveys.

Results There were an estimated 806 territorial pairs in the UK and Isle of Man in 2004, a significant 41% increase from the 1998 estimate of 570 pairs. Increases were found throughout, with the exception of south and east Scotland and England, where numbers decreased. Scotland held 79% of the UK and Isle of Man breeding population in 2004, and 10% of Scottish pairs were associated with non-moorland habitats, such as mature conifer plantations and scrub/brash.

Conclusions There was a substantial increase in the breeding population in most regions of the UK and Isle of Man between 1998 and 2004, possibly aided by increased use of non-moorland habitats. However, populations declined in upland areas of southern and eastern Scotland and northern England. Continuing illegal persecution arising from perceived conflicts between breeding Hen Harriers and driven grouse shooting may be a major cause of these regional declines.     

Status of the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus in the UK and Isle of Man in 2016

Capsule: The fifth UK and the Isle of Man survey of Hen Harrier in 2016 showed varying trends by country and region.

Aim: To estimate the size of the breeding Hen Harrier population (with associated 95% confidence intervals) in the UK and Isle of Man, constituent countries and Scottish regions, in 2016 and calculate population change over the five surveys to date.

Methods: Complete surveys were made of all 10-km squares likely to be occupied by breeding Hen Harriers in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, using standard methods developed for previous national surveys. In Scotland, self-selected 10-km squares were surveyed by volunteers and a stratified random selection of the remaining 10-km squares within the known breeding range was surveyed.

Results: The UK and Isle of Man Hen Harrier population was estimated at 575 territorial pairs (95% confidence limits, 477–694), a non-significant decline of 13% since 2010 but a significant decline of 24% since 2004. Scotland held the majority (80%) of the population with 460 (359–573) territorial pairs. Elsewhere, 46 territorial pairs were recorded in Northern Ireland, 35 in Wales, 30 in the Isle of Man and four in England. Significant decreases were recorded in the number of pairs in Scotland using grouse moor (?57%) and young forest (?54%).

Conclusion: The combined breeding population of Hen Harriers in the UK and Isle of Man has shown a non-significant decline between 2010 and 2016. There were notable decreases in England, Northern Ireland and Wales since 2010.     

Breeding status of Merlins Falco columbarius in the UK in 2008

Capsule The third national Merlin survey estimated a UK population of 1162 breeding pairs (95% CI: 891–1462).

Aims To estimate the number of breeding Merlins (with associated 95% confidence intervals) in the UK and the four countries (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland), and to compare these with the relevant estimates from the 1993–94 Merlin survey. In addition, to calculate estimates of change for several regional populations with complete survey coverage during both national surveys.

Methods A subset of 10-km squares (Raptor Study Group squares and randomly sampled squares) was surveyed across the breeding distribution of Merlins in the UK using standardised methods devised during the 1993–94 national survey.

Results The population estimate for Merlins in the UK was 1162 breeding pairs, and in Britain was 1128 pairs (95% CI: 849–1427), which although 13% lower, was not significantly different from the British estimate of the 1993–94 survey. Scotland held the bulk (733 pairs) of the UK Merlin population, and smaller numbers of 301 pairs, 94 pairs and 32 pairs were estimated for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively. The population estimate for Wales may have been biased upwards by low coverage in the south of the country. Marked declines were noted in several regional Merlin populations, particularly in areas of northern England.

Conclusions The 2008 Merlin survey suggests that the population in Britain has remained relatively stable since 1993–94, but with local declines, particularly in northern England. Currently, little is known about important drivers of regional population change in Merlins, but changes in land-use, prey populations and climate are likely to be important factors.     

The population status of breeding Twite Linaria flavirostris in the UK in 2013

Capsule: The second national survey of Twite Linaria flavirostris estimated a UK breeding population of 7831 pairs (95% confidence limits: 5829–10?137) in 2013.

Aims: To estimate the breeding population size of Twite in the UK and constituent countries and to calculate change since the 1999 survey.

Methods: Counts of Twite were made on three visits between May and July across a stratified random sample of 1-km squares in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, a complete census was made of the known range and adjacent 1-km squares with suitable habitat. Field surveys involved walking line transects 200 m apart and, in suitable nesting habitat, making 5-minute stops at 100 m intervals to scan and listen for Twite.

Results: The UK population of Twite was estimated at 7831 pairs (95% CL: 5829–10?137). This was 21% lower but not significantly different from the 1999 survey estimate. Scotland held 98% of the UK population (7640, 95% CL: 5629–9954). There were an estimated 164 pairs (95% CL: 76–297) in England, a significant decline of 72% from 1999. Estimated totals for Wales and Northern Ireland were 16 (95% CL: 10–24) and 18 pairs respectively.

Conclusion: The second national survey suggests a moderate decline in the UK Twite population since 1999 but with considerable variation between countries. Further work is required to understand the drivers of population change across breeding populations.     

Changes in Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus populations in upland forests in Yorkshire

The Nightjar populations of Yorkshire's upland forests have grown significantly during recent years, probably as a result of a concurrent increase in the available area of suitable habitat due to forest management. In common with other populations it appears that the birds utilize younger, more open plantations. Comparison, based on discriminant analysis, of the habitat characteristics of forest plantations occupied and unoccupied by Nightjars suggests two things. First, that birds are more likely to occupy larger rather than smaller clearings and, second, that the study populations are close to their maxima. However, with continuing rotational felling, the area should continue to support a similar population.     

Foraging by Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus away from their nesting areas

Radio-tagged Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus nesting in conifer plantation clearings and on lowland heath in Dorset travelled an average of 3.1 km away from their nesting areas at night to atypical habitats, presumably to feed. Comparison of habitat availability with use showed that Nightjars preferred deciduous or mixed woodland habitats, while they avoided conifer plantations and arable or improved grassland. Absence from the nesting area was recorded on 72 % of bird-nights and birds were least likely to be away during the middle third of the night. The use of atypical habitats may have implications for Nightjar conservation.     

Status of the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus in the UK and the Isle of Man in 1998

A survey of breeding Hen Harriers in the UK and the Isle of Man carried out in 1998 consisted of two parts: a complete census of 10-km squares at the core of the species'known range, and a random sample of 10-km squares across the rest of its known recent range. From this, the UK and Isle of Man breeding population was estimated at 570 territorial pairs: 436 in Scotland, 19 in England, 28 in Wales, 38 in Northern Ireland and 49 on the Isle of Man. Although there was no overall change in the size of the UK and Isle of Man population between 1988–94 and 1998, numbers declined in Orkney and increased in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, numbers increased on grouse moors and decreased in young plantation between 1988–89 and 1998, so that 55% of the population is now found on grouse moor. A similar situation exists in England, but in Northern Ireland 45% of the population was found breeding in open areas within mature conifer plantations in 1998.     

Effects of consecutive,contrasting, winters on the bird population of an Anglesey pine plantation

Capsule European Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus breeding in southern England were found to over-winter in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Aims To ascertain the wintering areas and migration routes of European Nightjars breeding in southern England.

Methods The wintering areas of three Nightjars were mapped using light geolocation tags (two in 2008 and one in 2010). For one of these birds, details of the timing and route of migration were determined. The impact of the birds' behaviour on location accuracy was measured and data on the timing of emergence and roosting was collected.

Results All three Nightjars were found to be wintering in the south and east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in an area not previously considered to be part of the wintering range of this species. The route of migration differed in each period. Autumn migration was across central Sahara, whereas in spring the route was to the west of the Sahara. Aberrations in the light curve caused by the roosting and emergence of the birds were found to affect the estimated location of the wintering areas, shifting them approximately 1° south, and reducing the estimated accuracy of the locations. The timing of these aberrations showed that roosting and emergence roughly follow the timing of dawn and dusk.

Conclusions Current distribution maps for the wintering areas of Nightjars in Africa probably under-represent the true distribution of the species in the continent. The wide dispersal of birds from the same breeding area in the UK may be an indication of mixing of breeding populations during the wintering period. Further study is needed to understand how these results fit into the larger picture of Nightjar migration both from the UK and the wider Eurasian breeding range, and to determine locations of stopovers.     

Reproductive success of Woodlarks Lullula arborea in traditional and recently colonized habitats

Capsule Set-aside schemes have allowed breeding Woodlarks to colonize farmland, but heathland and forestry habitats remain the stronghold.

Aims To determine which habitats provide the best conditions for breeding Woodlarks and whether a buffer effect is operating, with density increasing faster in the poorer quality habitat as the population grows.

Methods Habitat colonization was examined and breeding success compared among heathland, clear-felled and young conifer plantations, and farmland set-aside.

Results Woodlarks on heathland and forestry habitats had similar clutch sizes and nesting success, but clutch sizes may be lower on farmland. Heathland was recolonized when population density was low in forest habitats, while farmland was colonized when density was increasing, and areas close to forest were preferentially occupied. Woodlarks breeding on farmland preferred set-aside stubbles to other field types.

Conclusion Forestry and heathland habitats are similar in quality for breeding Woodlarks, with no evidence for a buffer effect. Farmland set-aside may be suboptimal but the area available is much greater than the area of forest or heathland, and could therefore make a significant contribution to the conservation of the Woodlark population. However, set-aside should not be seen as an alternative to the conservation of forest and heathland.     

Home‐range size and habitat use of European Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus nesting in a complex plantation‐forest landscape

In Europe, the consequences of commercial plantation management for birds of conservation concern are poorly understood. The European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus is a species of conservation concern across Europe due to population depletion through habitat loss. Pine plantation‐forest is now a key Nightjar nesting habitat, particularly in northwestern Europe, and increased understanding of foraging habitat selection is required. We radiotracked 31 Nightjars in an extensive (185‐km²) complex conifer plantation landscape in 2009 and 2010. Home‐range 95% kernels for females, paired males and unpaired males were an order of magnitude larger than song territories of paired males, emphasizing the importance of habitats beyond the song territory. Nightjars travelled a mean maximum distance of 747 m from the territory centre each night. Home‐range placement relative to landscape composition was examined by compositional analysis. Pre‐closure canopy forest (aged 5–10 years) was selected at all scales (MCP, 95% and 50% kernels), with newly planted forest (aged 0–4 years) also selected within 50% kernels. For telemetry fixes relative to habitat composition within 2 km of their territory centre, individuals again selected pre‐closure and newly planted forest, and also grazed grass heath. Open ungrazed habitat was not selected, with implications for open habitat planning for biodiversity conservation within public‐owned forests. Despite the Nightjars’ selection for younger growth, moth biomass was greater in older forest stands, suggesting that foraging site selection reflects ease of prey capture rather than prey abundance. Within large plantation‐forest landscapes, a variety of growth stages is important for this species and our results suggest that grazing of open habitats within and adjacent to forest will additionally benefit the European Nightjar.     

Observation of nest visitation by multiple males in the European Nightjar Caprimulgus europeaus

ABSTRACT

We report observations of nest visitation of multiple males to three nests of European Nightjars Caprimulgus europeaus. In one case, we report the direct observation of two males apparently exhibiting parental behaviour at the same nest. In two other cases, second males visited nests. We consider the potential functions of nest visits by extra-pair males in the Nightjar.     

Identification of different song types in the European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

ABSTRACT

Capsule: Two distinct song types were identified for male European Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus with their relative frequency of use changing through the breeding season, indicating a possible link to paired status.

Aims: To test whether two song types could be defined in audio recordings and whether use differed in relation to the paired status of males.

Methods: Unattended acoustic recording devices were placed at a Nightjar study site in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, and recordings of churring vocalizations were made during two periods of the breeding season. These recordings were then analyzed to identify the presence/absence of the song terminal phrase and associated audible features.

Results: Two distinct song types were identified in the recorded audio data that differed in their terminal phrasing and overall song duration. The number of Nightjar songs with a terminal phrase increased significantly between the two sampling periods, from lower levels during the site arrival period, to higher levels during the first clutch initiation period.

Conclusion: This study showed that the use of Nightjar song types appears to vary through the breeding season, with males being more likely to produce song with a terminal phrase during the first clutch initiation period, when they are more likely to be paired or in the presence of a female. The unattended acoustic recording method may provide a minimally intrusive means of assessing the number of Nightjar breeding pairs and not just singing males.     

Winter habitat associations of seed-eating passerines on Scottish farmland

CapsuleExtensive surveys highlighted the importance of weedy fodder brassicas, stubbles and open farmland landscapes to declining birds.

Aims To determine habitat associations of seed-eating passerines on Scottish farmland in winter, and recommend appropriate conservation measures.

Methods Transect surveys were carried out on farmland in 100 1-km squares, containing 2885 fields, across Scotland. Birds, crops, field boundary features and weeds were recorded on three visits. Bird–habitat associations were examined using logistic regression models.

Results Seed-eating passerines were highly concentrated: 100 fields (1.4% of the area surveyed) held half the total count. The highest field densities of birds were recorded in fodder brassica crops and stubbles, averaging 12 and 3.3 birds/ha respectively. In fodder crops, weedier fields held many more birds. Multiple regression analysis emphasized the importance of fodder crops, stubbles and farmyards and suggested that declining bird species preferred more open landscapes. Several bird species were associated with fields containing very weedy patches, and/or weeds of the family Chenopodiaceae. These features were commonest in fodder brassicas. Many of the crop types found to be important as bird habitats in winter have declined in area in Scotland; the availability of seed food in such habitats may also have diminished. Such changes may partly explain recent population declines.

Conclusions Agri-environment measures for seed-eating passerines should support the widespread provision of small areas of seed-rich wintering habitats, such as weedy fodder brassicas and stubbles, especially in open (0–10% woodland and scrub) landscapes in areas with mild winters.     

Partial recovery of the population of Corncrakes Crex crex in Britain, 1993–2004

Capsule Singing male Corncrakes increased more than two-fold over the study period.

Aim To provide updated counts of the number and distribution of singing male Corncrakes in Britain and describe the implementation of schemes in which land management was modified to benefit Corncrakes.

Methods Annual surveys of singing Corncrakes in the core of the range in Britain were undertaken between 1993 and 2004 and the total population of the species throughout Britain was assessed in 2003. Annual information on the extent and location of the various conservation management schemes was obtained from the authorities that administer them.

Results Following a long-term decline, the count of Corncrakes in the core of the species' British range increased in ten of the 11 years since 1993. A survey of the core of the range in 2004 located 1040 singing males, a 2.3-fold increase on the 446 singing males located in the same area in 1993. A full survey of Britain and the Isle of Man in 2003 located 832 singing males in 81 10-km National Grid squares. This compares with 589 birds in 93 squares in the last full survey in 1998, and 480 birds in 83 squares in 1993. During 1993–2003, more than 70% of Corncrakes in the core area occurred in 1-km National Grid squares in which conservation schemes were implemented. For males in squares with some conservation management, the average area of managed land to which each bird potentially had exclusive access was about 5 hectares. About half of the tall grass present in 1-km squares occupied by Corncrakes was included in schemes intended to modify mowing or grazing to reduce losses of nests and chicks.

Conclusion There has been a partial recovery of the population of Corncrakes in Britain since 1993, reversing a decline that began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the geographical range of the species, measured as occupied 10-km grid squares, has not increased. The recovery occurred during a period in which a significant area of land, to which the majority of Corncrakes had access, was entered into conservation management schemes intended to benefit the species. Estimated changes in breeding productivity likely to be associated with changes in grass-mowing management on the observed scale were approximately sufficient to account for the observed change in population trend.     

Breeding ecology and habitat selection of Merlin Falco columbarius in forested landscapes

Capsule: Long-term trends in Merlin Falco columbarius breeding performance remained stable during a period of extensive afforestation in Ireland, where Merlin predominantly select conifer plantations for nesting.

Aims: To determine breeding performance and habitat selection of Merlin in a landscape significantly altered by afforestation.

Methods: We compiled data on Merlin to determine long-term trends in breeding performance and to examine habitat selection in a country with one of the fastest rates of afforestation in Europe.

Results: Merlin predominantly nested in trees (99.5%; n?=?183 pairs), with a strong preference for conifer plantations, which accounted for over 12 times more nests than expected by random selection. Moors and heathland were strongly selected as land-uses adjacent to nest sites. Most nests were located within 10?m of the forest edge, and in forests aged between 31 and 40 years. Merlin showed positive selection for moors and heathland, peat bogs and natural grasslands within breeding territories, and breeding success was positively related to the proportion of these land-uses surrounding nests. Breeding was successful for 74% of nests (n?=?300), and mean productivity was 2.1 young per breeding attempt (n?=?265) between 1982 and 2014. Breeding parameters remained constant over the 33-year study period, despite an increase of more than 75% in forest cover during this time.

Conclusion: Merlin breeding performance showed no long-term effects of increased afforestation. Although Merlin predominantly nested in conifer plantations, the presence of nearby open suitable foraging habitats influenced nest site selection and breeding success. The nesting preference of Merlin makes them vulnerable to disturbance from forest operations, which requires mitigation.     

Breeding status of the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Britain in 2000

Capsule The first co-ordinated Red Kite survey across Britain since the reintroduction programme began in 1989, yields 430 breeding pairs.

Aims To estimate the current size and extent of the British breeding population.

Methods A complete census of the populations in the East Midlands, Yorkshire, central and north Scotland was undertaken, while in Wales and the Chilterns, populations were surveyed using a stratified sample of tetrads. Breeding and territorial pairs were identified.

Results The survey indicated that there were 430 breeding pairs in Britain (95% CIs, 372–490). There were 259 breeding pairs in Wales (95% CIs, 200–318) and 109 (95% CIs, 96–124) in the Chilterns. Elsewhere, 16 breeding pairs were located in the East Midlands, three in Yorkshire, seven in central Scotland and 33 in north Scotland. An additional three pairs were recorded in southern England, away from the main population centres.

Conclusion The 2000 survey provides a baseline against which to measure future changes in Red Kite populations in Britain, using standard, repeatable methods.     

Effects of variation in breeding habitat on Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus productivity and chick condition

Capsule Territory habitat influenced clutch size and within-brood variability of chick condition in Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus.

Aims To assess the relationship of Ring Ouzel productivity and chick condition with territory habitat, in order to improve understanding of the importance of breeding habitat for population change.

Methods Productivity and chick condition were recorded for Ring Ouzel pairs in a small area of upland Scotland and these were related to vegetation and physical characteristics for all breeding territories using General Linear Models.

Results We found that clutch size and variability of chick condition varied with Ring Ouzel breeding habitat.

Clutch size was related to variation in territory habitat, broadly increasing with territory grass, sedge and rush cover. The best-supported models for within-brood variability of chick condition included fledgling number and territory habitat, with chick condition broadly becoming more variable with territory bracken cover. Relationships between breeding habitat and brood size, fledgling number or mean chick condition were not supported by the data, although statistical power was low.

Conclusion Breeding habitat may be a driver of demographic rates of Ring Ouzel, with the effects of poor habitat being passed on indirectly through chick condition. The population-level importance of these effects is unclear, but this study highlights a possible link between recent observed habitat changes and first-year survival, the demographic parameter contributing most to variation in population growth rate in UK Ring Ouzels.     

Breeding populations of Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius and Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula in the United Kingdom in 2007

Capsule: The 2007 national survey of the UK breeding population of Little Ringed Plovers shows a further spread into Scotland and Wales since the previous survey in 1984. In contrast, there has been a significant decrease in the Ringed Plover breeding population.

Aims: To provide new breeding population estimates in the UK and Great Britain for Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius and Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula in 2007 and investigate changes in breeding distribution and habitat use since 1984.

Methods: Breeding population estimates were made by combining counts of pairs from ‘key sites’ (2?×?2?km tetrads known to be occupied in/since 1984) and estimates of the numbers of pairs away from these sites based on stratified sampling. Survey periods for Little Ringed Plover: 15 April to 15 July, three visits; Ringed Plover: 15 April to 30 June, two visits.

Results: Population estimates, for 2007, of 1239 (95% confidence intervals: 1175–1311) pairs of Little Ringed Plover and 5291 (5106–5478) pairs of Ringed Plovers were calculated for Great Britain, with 5438 (5257–5622) pairs of Ringed Plover estimated in the UK. Counts of Ringed Plover at inland and coastal sites, covered in both 1984 and 2007, decreased by 83% and 53%, respectively. The Little Ringed Plover population has expanded in range northward and westward since 1984. Main habitats used in 2007 by Little Ringed Plover were inland gravel and sand (25.9%) and river shingle (17.8%); and, for Ringed Plover, coastal shingle and sand (38.5% and 13.7%, respectively) and machair plus associated habitats (23.8%) in the Outer Hebrides.

Conclusions: Between 1984 and 2007, the Little Ringed Plover breeding population in the UK increased considerably, expanding northward and westward, with increased use of river shingle habitats. During the same period Ringed Plover breeding numbers in the UK declined considerably in both coast and inland habitats, likely to be due to human disturbance and habitat change, respectively.     

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus abundance and habitat use in Scotland,in winter 1998–99

CapsuleA second full survey in which we estimate the population at 1073 birds (95% CL 549–2041).

Aims To provide an up-to-date estimate of the population size of Capercaillie in Britain and to identify habitat use by Capercaillie in winter.

Methods Using the census technique of distance sampling, flushed birds were counted along line transects walked in stratified random blocks of forest within the species' range. The same transects were surveyed as used in the 1992–94 survey, enabling direct comparison of the results. Densities were estimated using the DISTANCE program, combining these data with those from a similar survey of Capercaillie in 1992–94 to allow a more robust estimate of the detection function.

Results The Capercaillie population was estimated to be 1073 birds (95% CL 549–2041). This represents a decline of 51% between the two surveys, at a rate of 13% per annum. Females declined at a faster rate than males resulting in a marked change in the sex-ratio, which was close to 1:1 for the entire population. Bird densities declined by a similar magnitude in both native pinewoods and other woodlands in comparison to 1992–94. Even so, densities were significantly higher in native pinewoods (1.63 km^-2) than in other woodlands (0.43 km^-2), which comprised largely planted Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris, larch Larix spp., Lodgepole Pine Pinus contorta and Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis. Overall, Capercaillie tended to use forest stands with a high proportion of Scots Pine and Blaeberry Vaccinium myrtilus; features that are typical of native pinewoods and old pine plantations.

Conclusions The Capercaillie population has undergone a dramatic decline during the last five years. The decline has been greater for females and has occurred across habitats. This information is helping to focus efforts in securing the future for Capercaillie in Scotland, which has now become a major conservation challenge.