Capercaillie Lek Count Report 2026

This document contains the Capercaillie Lek Count Report for 2026, which monitors capercaillie numbers in Scotland by counting male birds at their breeding sites, known as leks. The surveys found 184 lekking males in 2026, a notable increase of 41 birds from the previous year and the highest count since 2018. This positive trend, with 170 males recorded specifically in the Cairngorms National Park, is linked to favourable weather and ongoing conservation efforts. However, the report also highlights that capercaillie populations in peripheral areas like Perthshire, Donside, Morayshire, and Deeside remain at risk, showing either very low or declining numbers. These counts represent a minimum number of birds rather than a full population estimate, but they are crucial for understanding population trends and guiding management.