In Bashkiria, camera trap filmed capercaillie's mating dance

The footage was shot in the Shulgan-Tash Nature Reserve.

In the Burzyansky District, state inspector Sabit Galin managed to obtain unique footage of a displaying capercaillie. The protected area's camera trap captured the moment when the male, with his tail fanned out and neck stretched, performed a ritual dance reminiscent of the movements of proud dzhigits. Through his behavior and characteristic clicking sounds, he tried to attract a female's attention.

As the inspector noted, in the early morning, capercaillies traditionally "occupy" salt licks—this is the time of their most active displaying. However, as the day progresses, the situation changes: the feeding grounds once again come under ungulate control. According to monitoring data, moose and roe deer regularly come to the salt licks during the day, for whom salt is also a vitally necessary supplement.