On this occasion, we enter the exciting world of Tetrao. Since time immemorial, Tetrao has aroused the curiosity and interest of millions of people around the world. Whether due to its impact on society, its historical relevance, its influence on pop culture or its significance in the scientific field, Tetrao has left an indelible mark on humanity. Throughout this article, we will explore the different aspects and perspectives surrounding Tetrao, with the goal of better understanding its importance and impact on our lives. In short, we immerse ourselves in a fascinating journey that will lead us to discover everything that Tetrao has to offer. Join us on this exciting adventure!
Tetrao Temporal range: Early Pliocene to recent
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Western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Galliformes |
Family: | Phasianidae |
Tribe: | Tetraonini |
Genus: | Tetrao Linnaeus, 1758 |
Type species | |
Tetrao urogallus Linnaeus, 1758
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Species | |
Tetrao is a genus of birds in the grouse subfamily known as capercaillies. They are some of the largest living grouse. Feathers from the bird were used to create the characteristic hat of the bersaglieri, an Italian ace infantry formation.
The genus Tetrao was introduced in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. The genus name is the Latin word for a game bird, probably a black grouse. The black grouse was included by Linnaeus in the genus Tetrao but is now placed in the genus Lyrurus. The type species was designated as the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) by George Robert Gray in 1840.
The genus contains two species:
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Western capercaillie | Tetrao urogallus Linnaeus, 1758 Eight subspecies
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Europe to western Russia |
Size: Habitat: Diet: |
LC
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Black-billed capercaillie | Tetrao urogalloides Middendorff, 1853 Two subspecies
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eastern Russia as well as parts of northern Mongolia and China | Size: Habitat: Diet: |
LC
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The fossil record of this genus is extensive: