Europe's largest wild bird successfully reproduces in France's Vosges mountains

A glimmer of hope has emerged in the Vosges mountains with the successful reproduction of the capercaillie, Europe's largest wild bird. Four chicks have hatched, a significant achievement for a reintroduction program that began in 2024 and has faced considerable criticism and challenges.

The capercaillie, once an endemic species in the Vosges, had nearly vanished from the region. The current reintroduction initiative involves individuals captured in Norway. While three releases have occurred, initial survival rates were low, with only two of the 16 birds introduced in the first two releases believed to be alive by 2026. Environmental groups have voiced skepticism, arguing that the Vosges ecosystem, heavily impacted by human activities, is no longer suitable for the species.

Despite these concerns, a hiker observed a group of five capercaillies on August 4, comprising an adult female and her four chicks. Technicians from the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park estimate the chicks were likely born in mid-June. Two of the young birds, a male and a female, were photographed in mid-July.

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This shows that there is a reproductive potential in these birds and that the environment is favorable, that the birds will find everything they need to complete their biological cycle.

Fabien Diehl, a technician at the PNR responsible for monitoring the species, noted that the mother bird had previously nested in 2025, but her eggs were destroyed by predators. He expressed optimism about the recent births, stating, "This shows that there is a reproductive potential in these birds and that the environment is favorable, that the birds will find everything they need to complete their biological cycle."

This successful breeding is also crucial for the capercaillie's genetic diversity. The remaining native capercaillies in the Vosges suffer from inbreeding. Diehl emphasized that such programs require time and patience, adding that the last recorded birth of a capercaillie in the Vosges was in 2019. The PNR is continuing its efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic bird in the region.

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What it shows is that it also takes time, patience to succeed in the program.