173 fecal specimens from captive Capercaillies and 92 fecal specimens from free-living Capercaillies were examined bacteriologically. With all specimens the bacteriological examination was limited to the aerobic bacteria which can be isolated by the usual methods and to Clostridium perfringens. The occurrence of fungi and parasites was examined as well. The present paper compares the results of these examinations. The identifiable fecal flora of free-living Capercaillies consists of few species with low colony numbers. In about half of the specimens Bacillus spp. are the main aerobic component while only a small number of the fecal specimens contain Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. None of the literature to date has stated that Streptococcus spp. do not belong to the autochthonous fecal or intestinal flora of an avian species. Clostridium perfringens cannot be isolated. The identifiable fecal flora of captive Capercaillies consists of many species with high colony numbers. Almost all fecal specimens contain Escherichia coli and various Bacillus spp. Streptococcus spp. can be isolated frequently, other enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium perfringens are present. The results of the examinations for fungi and parasites only differ slightly from those in wild birds.