ptarmigan | bird | Britannica.com Ptarmigan See Article History Alternative Title: Lagopus Ptarmigan, any of three or four species of partridgelike grouse of cold regions, belonging to the genus Lagopus of the grouse family, Tetraonidae. They undergo seasonal changes of plumage, from white against winter snowfields to gray or brown, with barring, in spring and summer against tundra vegetation. Ptarmigan differ from other members of the grouse family in having the toes covered with stiff feathers above and below. Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta). Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus). NPS Photos/Katie Thoresen The common ptarmigan (L. mutus) ranges in the British Isles , Europe, and North America , where it is called rock ptarmigan. Also distributed circumpolarly is the willow ptarmigan, or willow grouse (L. lagopus), a more northerly bird of lowlands. On Rocky Mountain tundra south to New Mexico is the white-tailed ptarmigan. Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus).

White-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus) with brown mottled summer plumage. C.A. Morgan Ptarmigan survive winter in the Arctic and mountain-top fastnesses by browsing shrubs and scratching up lichens and leaves; they burrow in snow to sleep. Males, which have harsh cackling calls, begin to display socially in early spring and then separate and display singly in adjoining territories. White-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus) with winter plumage. Kenneth W. Fink—Root Resources/EB inc. The name snow partridge, given in many localities to ptarmigan, is best reserved for a ptarmigan-like Asian partridge (see partridge ). Learn More in these related articles: partridge any of many small game birds native to the Old World and belonging to the family Phasianidae (order Galliformes). They are larger than quails, with stronger bills and feet. (For New World birds erroneously called partridges, see grouse; quail. For dwarf partridges of India called bush quail and for...

in tundra: Birds Most tundra birds are migratory, staying long enough to nest and molt. One exception is the ptarmigan, which feeds upon willow buds and other exposed plant parts in winter and upon leaves, buds, and flowers in summer. Ptarmigan have heavily feathered feet, which provide some insulation against the winter snow and ice. Several migratory birds feed upon seeds and fruits until insects and spiders... 1 Reference found in Britannica Articles Assorted Reference Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context.

(Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: January 21, 2016 URL: Access Date: January 19, 2017 Share Willow Ptarmigan - Whatbird.com Willow Ptarmigan Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys, Old World Quail (Phasianidae) Code 4 Copyright © 2004 - 2016 Mitch Waite Group PHOTOS Photos we are missing. CONSERVATION STATUS The Willow Ptarmigan has an enormous range reaching up to roughly 10 million square kilometers.

This bird can be found across Canada and the United States as well as areas of China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Norway, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This species appears in forests and shrublands as well as varied grasslands including tundra and subarctic environments. The global population of this bird is estimated to be around 37 million individual birds. It is not believed that the population trends for this species will soon approach the minimum levels that could suggest a potential decline in population. Due to this, population trends for the Willow Ptarmigan have a present evaluation level of Least Concern. IBIRD EXPLORER GENERAL posted on May 13, 2013 07:47 AM PHOTO SHARING AND DISCUSSION posted on December 27, 2016 09:10 AM BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY posted on June 12, 2016 09:03 PM SUMMARY Overview Willow Ptarmigan: Small grouse, winter adult is all white with dark-edged tail and small orange-red eye combs.

Summer bird has rust-brown upperparts, head, breast, white eye-ring, orange-red eye comb, white wings, belly, leg feathers; brown tail. Unlike other ptarmigans, the male stays with the female and defends its nest-it is known to attack anything that comes to close. Range and Habitat Willow Ptarmigan: Resident from throughout Alaska across northern Canada to Labrador and south across much of British Columbia, into northern Ontario, and central Quebec; also found in parts of northern Asia and Europe. Winters in the southern parts of its range. Inhabits tundra and thickets with alder and willow trees. SONGS AND CALLS "go-back, go-back, go-back" INTERESTING FACTS The Willow Ptarmigan is called the Red Grouse in Britain.Unlike in North America, it does not turn white in winter there. In the winter they settle into snowbanks to sleep. By flying into the bank, rather than walking, they do not leave footprints and can avoid predation. It is the state bird of Alaska. This bird’s feet are heavy with feathers and serve as a sort of snowshoe.

A group of ptarmigan have many collective nouns, including a "congregation", "covey", and "invisibleness" of ptarmigan. SIMILAR BIRDS About this North America Map This map shows how this species is distributed across North America. FAMILY DESCRIPTION Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys and Old World Quail (Phasianidae) ORDER An order of five families found on most continents (some taxonomic systems only recognize four of these, classifying the fifth as a sub-family), the GALLIFORMES (pronounced gal-lih-FOR-meez) include “fowl” like birds such as guineafowl, pheasants, grouse and turkeys, and the wild ancestor to the domestic chicken. FAMILY TAXONOMY Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys and Old World Quail are members of the Phasianidae (pronounced fah-see-AH-nih-dee), a family of one hundred and eighty-seven species in fifty-six genera found on all continents except for South America and Antarctica. NORTH AMERICA In North America, the Phasianidae is represented by twenty-six species in seventeen genera.

This total includes several introduced and native species such as the Wild Turkey, prairie chickens, and various species of grouse. KNOWN FOR The Phasianidae are known for their elaborate courtship displays that frequently utilize raised tails that are spread to reveal intricate patterns. Male Sage Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and prairie chickens take these displays a step further by displaying communally at traditional “lekking “ sites where birds inflate prominent neck and chest patches that produce loud, popping sounds. PHYSICAL The Phasianidae range in size from the small Japanese Quail to one of North America’s largest bird species; the Wild Turkey. Regardless of size, all members of this family have stout bills, long, strong legs and short wings that attest to a mostly terrestrial lifestyle. Several species also have fairly long tails that are adaptations for their courtship displays. COLORATION Aside from the radiant, iridescent plumages of male Indian Peafowls and some pheasant species, most of the Phasianidae exhibit barred and streaked patterns in tones of brown and black that match their terrestrial habitats, thus providing these birds with excellent camouflage.

In winter, the ptarmigans molt from such brown and gray dominated plumages into mostly white plumages to match their snowy environments. Bright colors in native North American species are restricted to bits of red, orange, and purple found on the necks and heads of some members for display purposes. GEOGRAPHIC HABITAT In North America, the members of the Phasianidae occur in tundra, grasslands, and forest. Three species of ptarmigan crouch in the far northern tundra and alpine habitats of the Rocky Mountains while the sage-grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and prairie chickens display in sagebrush and grasslands of the west. Deciduous and coniferous forests are home to the Wild Turkey and four grouse species. Introduced species live in a variety of Hawaiian habitats while the Ring-necked Pheasant is now common in North American grasslands. MIGRATION Aside from occasional short-distance migration by the ptarmigans of the far north, species in the Phasianidae spend all four seasons in the vicinity of their breeding grounds.

HABITS Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys and Old World Quail often flock together to forage for small creatures, seeds, and buds. Most look for food on the ground although the Spruce Grouse also forages in the trees for pine and spruce needles. CONSERVATION Although populations of Wild Turkeys have made a wonderful, successful comeback since their decline earlier in the twentieth century, all five species of grouse that occur in sagebrush and grasslands (sage-grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse and prairie chickens) have threatened and declining populations. These declines are due to degradation and conversion of their grassland habitats to agriculture and other development. INTERESTING FACTS To aid in walking in their snowy winter environments, Ruffed Grouse and ptarmigans have evolved “natural snowshoes”. In Ruffed Grouse, scales on their toes have extensions to keep them from sinking into snowdrifts, while ptarmigans have a profusion of feathers on their feet for this purpose.

TERMINOLOGY Alaska State Bird - Willow Ptarmigan - 50States.com Alaska State Bird - Willow Ptarmigan - Lagopus lagopus State Bird of Alaska The willow ptarmigan (pronounced tar-mi-gan) was designated as the official Alaska state bird in 1955, four years before Alaska was admitted to the Union. APPEARANCE: The willow ptarmigan, a medium to large ground-dwelling bird, generally stands 14 to 17 inches high, has a wingspan ranging from 24 to 26 inches, and weighs between 15 and 29 ounces. Their plumage changes color from light brown in summer months to snow white in the winter. In addition to color-changing feathers, another distinctive feature of the willow ptarmigan are its feathered toes. DIET: In winter months the willow ptarmigan eats moss, lichens, willow buds and twigs, birch, and seeds and berries when available. In summer their diet expands to vegetable matter and occasionally small insects, such as caterpillars and beetles.

INTERESTING FACTS: The willow ptarmigan is a bird in the grouse subfamily (Tetraoninae) of the pheasant family (Phasianidae). There are three kinds of ptarmigan, all of which can be found in the state of Alaska. The willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) and the rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) can also found in northern Eurasia, Scandinavia, and Russia while the white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura) can be found only in North America. The red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) is a subspecies of willow ptarmigan; it is endemic to Scotland and was first noted by Latham in 1787. SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION: Order: Galliformes (fowls, gallinaceous birds) Family: Phasianidae (partridges, turkeys, grouse, pheasants, and quail) Subfamily: Tetraoninae (grouse) Species: L.

lagopus (willow grouse, willow ptarmigan) (Linnaeus, 1758) Subspecies: Lagopus lagopus alascensis Swarth, 1926 Binomial Name: Lagopus lagopus alascensis Swarth, 1926 Taxonomic Serial Number: 175809 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT: The law designating the willow ptarmigan as the official Alaska state bird is Section 44.09.060 of the Alaska Statutes, specifically Title 44 (State Government), Chapter 09 (State Seal, Flag, and Emblems), Section 060 (State Bird). The legislation reads: "The Alaska Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus alascensis Swarth) is the official bird of the state." NOTE: The Lagopus lagopus alascensis is a subspecies of the Lagopus lagopus and was first noted by Swarth in 1926. Excerpt from John J. Audubon's Birds of America (pub. 1831 - 1839) by John James Audubon, F. R. SS. L. & E.

(Fellow of the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh) VOLUME V. [Lagopus lagopus.] PLATE CCXCIX.--MALE, FEMALE, AND YOUNG. Although I have not seen this beautiful bird within the limits of the United States, I feel assured that it exists in the State of Maine, as well as in the northern districts bordering on the great lakes. THEODORE LINCOLN, Esq., of Dennisville in Maine, shot seven one day, not many miles from that village; and the hunter who guided me to the breeding-grounds of the Canada Grouse assured me that he also knew where the "Red-necked Partridge" was to be found. The places which he described as frequented by them, seemed to bear as near a resemblance to those in which I found the species in Labrador and Newfoundland, as the difference of latitude and vegetation could admit. I have also seen several skins of individuals that were killed near Lake Michigan. The Willow Grouse differs in its habits from the Canada Grouse in several remarkable circumstances. In the first place, neither myself nor any of my party ever found the former solitary or single.

The males were always in the immediate vicinity of the nest while the females were sitting, and accompanied them and the young from the time the latter were hatched until they were full-grown; and whenever we met with them, we observed that the males and the females manifested the strongest attachment towards each other, as well as towards their young. In fact, so much was this the case, that when a covey happened to come in our way, the parents would fly directly towards us with so much boldness, that some were actually killed on the wing with the rods of our guns, as they flew about in the agonies of rage and despair, with all their feathers raised and ruffled. In the mean time, the little ones dispersed and made off through the deep moss and tangled creeping plants with great rapidity, squatting and keeping close to the ground, when it became extremely difficult to find them. This is the only American species of Grouse I am acquainted with that possesses these habits; in all others found in the United States, the male not only leaves the female as soon as incubation has commenced, but both fly from man and urge their young to do the same from their earliest age.

The Willow Ptarmigan, moreover, join their broods whenever an opportunity offers, and we found flocks of old and young, in which the latter were of very different sizes. This species rarely if ever alights on bushes or trees after being frilly grown, and appears to resort at all times by preference to the ground, living among the naked rocks of the open morasses. The young birds do not acquire their full summer plumage before they are two years old. Many of these middle-aged birds, as I would call them, which our party procured early in the month of July, differed greatly from the older birds, which had their broods then quite small. They were much lighter in colour, their tails were shorter, and they weighed less, but afforded much better eating. Some of them had young, but their broods were much smaller in point of number, seldom exceeding four or five, while the old birds frequently had a dozen or more. The flight of the Willow Grouse resembles that of the Red Grouse of Scotland, being regular, swift, and on occasion protracted to a very great distance. They have no whirring sound of their wings, even when put up by sudden surprise.

Whenever we found a pair without young, they were extremely shy, and would fly from one hill to another often at a great distance. If pursued, they would be seen standing erect, and boldly watching our approach, until we got to the distance of a few hundred yards from them, when they would run from the naked rocks into the moss, and there squat so close, that unless one of the party happened to walk almost over them, they remained unseen, and could not be raised. When discovered and put up, they were easily shot, on account of the beautiful regularity of their flight. In rising from the ground, they utter a loud and quickly repeated chuck, which is continued for eight or ten yards. Young birds shot in Newfoundland, on the 11th of August, weighed 6 1/4 ounces, and were fully fledged. Their primaries were of a sullied white, but their legs were not closely covered with hair-like feathers, as in the old birds. Although this species breeds in the districts inhabited by the Canada Grouse, it never enters the thickets to which the latter resorts, but always remains in the open grounds.

One day, while in search of young Wild Geese, in a large, oozy, and miry flat, covered with a floating bed of tangled herbage, we were much surprised at finding there several Willow Grouse. They were extremely shy, and flew from one part of the marsh to another. We procured with great difficulty two, which proved to be barren females. To give you an idea of the difficulties we had occasionally to encounter, in our endeavours to procure such birds as breed in that country, it will suffice to say, that one of us was so mired in the flat just mentioned, that it was with extreme difficulty another of us succeeded in extricating him, to the great danger of being himself swamped, in which case we must all have perished, had no aid arrived.

We were completely smeared with black mud, and so fatigued, that when we returned, we found it impossible to proceed more than a few yards before we were forced to sit down on the dangerous sward, which at every step shook for a considerable space around, so that we were obliged to keep at a distance from each other, and move many yards apart, constantly fearing that the least increase of weight would have burst the thin layer that supported us, and sent us into a depth from which we could not have been extricated. But once out of the bog, we were delighted with the success of our enterprise, and as we refreshed ourselves from our scanty stores, when we had reached the rocky shores of the sea, we laughed heartily at what had happened, although only a few hours before it was considered a most serious accident. As I am speaking of fowling in Labrador, allow me to relate an incident connected with the Willow Grouse. Among our crew was a sailor, who was somewhat of a wag. He was a "man-of-war's-man," and had seen a good deal of service in our navy, an expert sailor, perhaps the best diver I have seen, always willing to work hard, and always full of fun.

This sailor and another had the rowing of our gig on an excursion after Grouse and other wild birds. THOMAS LINCOLN and my son JOHN WOODHOUSE, managed the boat. The gig having landed on the main, the sailors, who had guns, went one way, and the young travellers another. They all returned, as was previously agreed upon, at the same hour, and produced the birds which they had procured. The sailors had none, and were laughed at. While rowing towards the Ripley, we heard the cries of birds as if in the air; the rowing ceased, but nothing could be seen, and we proceeded. Again the sounds of birds were distinctly heard, but again none could be seen, and what seemed strange was, that they were heard only at each pull of the oars. The young men taxed the tar with producing the noises, as they saw him as if employed in doing so with his mouth; however, the thing still remained a mystery.

Sometime after we had got on board, the provision basket was called for, and was produced by Master BILL, who, grinning from ear to ear, drew out of it two fine old Grouse, and a whole covey of young ones, in all the exultation of one who had outwitted what he called his betters. While at the harbour of Bras d'Or, I was told by persons who had resided in the country for many years, that, during the winter, when the snow covers the ground, and the Grouse are obliged to scratch through it, in order to get at the mosses and lichens, they are so abundant that a hundred or more can be shot in a day, and congregate in flocks of immense numbers, now and then mixed with the smaller species, called there the Rock Grouse, (Lagopus rupestris.) Their flesh is then salted for summer use. At that season they are of a pure white, except the tail, which retains its jetty blackness.

I was further informed that their flesh is then dry, and not to be compared with what it is in summer, when I found it tender, and having an agreeable aromatic flavour. The Willow Grouse breeds in Labrador about the beginning of June. The female conceals her nest under the creeping branches of the low firs. It consists of bits of dry twigs and mosses drawn into a form. The eggs are from five to fourteen, according to the age of the bird, and are marbled with irregular spots of reddish-brown, on a dull fawn-colour or rufous ground. They raise only one brood in the season. The pair represented in the plate, with their young, were procured by my friend GEORGE SHATTUCK, Esq. of Boston, one of my party, who shot the first pair found by us in Labrador. They were in their full summer plumage. I think these birds, as well as the Canada Grouse, have what I call a continued moult, young feathers being found upon them at all seasons. TETRAO (LAGOPUS) SALICETI, Willow Grouse, Swains. and Rich. F. Bor.

Amer.,vol. ii. p. 351. WILLOW GROUSE, or LARGE PTARMIGAN, Nutt. Man., vol. i. p. 674. WILLOW GROUSE, Tetrao saliceti, Aud. Orn. Bio., vol. ii. p. 528. Male, 17, 26 1/2. Female, 16, 26. In Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, during winter. Breeds plentifully in Newfoundland, Labrador, and the Fur Countries. Rocky Mountains. Adult Male, in summer. Bill short, robust; upper mandible with the dorsal outline curved, the edges overlapping, the tip declinate and rounded, the basal part with a deep sinus on each side; lower mandible convex, broad, with the tip rounded. Nostrils basal, roundish, concealed by the feathers. Head small, neck rather long, body bulky.

Feet of ordinary length; tarsus feathered, as are the toes, excepting towards the end, where they are covered with small scales and three terminal scutella; hind toe extremely short, two lateral equal; claws slightly arched, depressed, broad, with thin edges, and rounded. Plumage compact, the feathers generally rounded, those of the head and upper neck narrow and proportionally short. The legs and toes covered with hair-like feathers. Wings short, the primaries strong, narrow, tapering, curved; third longest, second and fourth little shorter. Tail short, even, or very slightly rounded, of fourteen broad feathers, and four narrower central ones, which are superior. Bill black. Iris brown. Toes and claws dark brown, the edges of the latter yellowish-grey. Head and neck bright chestnut, the feathers on the back part of the latter and crown of the head barred with black, and tipped with whitish.

The back, some of the wing-coverts, the nearer secondary quills, the four upper tail-feathers, the anterior part of the breast, and part of the sides under the wings, variegated with brownish-black, chestnut and white, the feathers being of the first colour in the middle, and transversely barred with the second towards the end, while the terminal margin is of the last. Most of the coverts, all the primaries, and the greater number of the secondaries, with the whole under surface of the wings, the middle of the breast, the abdomen, legs and feet, pure white, the shafts of the primaries are more or less brown, excepting towards the ends. The fourteen tail-feathers are brownish-black, with the tips white, as is the basal portion of the outer web of the outermost. The superciliary membranes are vermilion. Length 17 inches, extent of wings 26 1/2; bill along the ridge 3/4; tarsus 1 1/2; middle toe with the nail 1 7/12; weight 1 1/4 lbs. Adult Female, in summer.

In the female the superciliary membrane is much smaller, but of the same colour, as are the wings and tail. The head, neck, breast, abdomen, sides, as well as the upper parts, are variegated in a manner resembling the back of the male, but with the black spots larger, and the transverse bars of light brownish-red broader and less numerous; the lower surface much lighter. Length 16 inches, extent of wings 25; weight 1 lb. Young a few days old. The young are covered with a dense elastic down, of a yellowish tint, variegated above with a few large streaks of dark brown, on a light brown ground; the top of the head with a longitudinal brown patch margined with black. The young when fully fledged resemble the female. Portions copyright © Richard R. Buonanno , 1995 Web version of John James Audubon's work.

"The Birds of America" Portions copyright © Creative Multimedia Corp., 1990-91, 1992 Published with permisson by Marchex, Inc White-tailed Ptarmigan White-tailed Ptarmigan Lagopus leucurus Text and photo by John Fraley More than any other grouse, ptarmigan seem unconcerned about humans. When approached, these birds rarely fly, and sometimes they will even let you watch as they feed their young. I last saw white-tailed ptarmigan in late August at Upper Rumble Lake in the Swan Range, which at 8,000 feet is the highest northwestern Montana lake that supports fish. A hen softly hooted as she shuffled her chicks through the boulders and alpine flowers near the lakeshore. Later that day in the alpine meadows above the lake, my son and I watched as a flock of about ten ptarmigan hopped from snow patch to flower patch. White-tailed ptarmigan have one of the most limited distributions of any watchable wildlife species in Montana, so they are not particularly easy to find.

I’ve seen them only in the high country of the Swan Range, Jewel Basin, Glacier National Park, and the Great Bear Wilderness. I consider spotting one of these birds a kind of “viewing trophy.” Appearance The white-tailed ptarmigan is the only ptarmigan species found south of Canada. It’s the smallest member of the grouse family in North America, averaging about a foot in length and weighing less than a pound. Unlike North America’s other two ptarmigan species, the white-tailed ptarmigan has a white tail year-round, thus its scientific name, a Latinized version of the Greek leukos (white) and oura (tail.) The white-tailed ptarmigan is a mottled gray brown in the summer with a white tail, underside, and wings. In the fall, both sexes turn reddish brown before white feathers begin replacing the darker ones. By early winter, males and females are all white except for a black bill and eyes. Feathered legs and feet act as snowshoes so the bird can walk atop snow. Food In winter, white-tailed ptarmigan eat conifer needles and the buds and twigs of alders and alpine willows.

During the summer, the birds eat the leaves and flowers of alpine plants as well as lichens, berries, seeds, and insects. Courtship and reproduction Male white-tailed ptarmigan maintain their breeding territories through aggressive displays. To ward off other males, they run stiffly at the intruder, while flaring their scarlet eye combs and cackling loudly. White-tailed ptarmigan are one of the few monogamous species in the grouse family. In a study of reproduction in Glacier National Park, researcher David Benson found that the vigilant male forages alongside its mate in the open alpine environment, keeping her from breeding with other males. As a result, only three percent of chicks were born from breeding outside monogamous pairs. Females breed at about one year of age and lay four to seven eggs. They build their nests in the alpine tundra away from the breeding area in a shallow depression lined with lichens, leaves, and grass. Incubation lasts about three weeks. After the chicks emerge in mid-to late July, the female and her brood rejoin the male.

Habitat A truly alpine bird, the white-tailed ptarmigan is found almost exclusively above timberline, summer and winter. In May and June, the birds breed in areas where water and willow shrubs are nearby. After the chicks hatch, the hen and her brood spend the summer in moist meadows containing lush vegetation and boulders. The white-tailed ptarmigan’s protective coloration keeps the birds hidden from predators, which are mainly golden eagles and other raptors. Ptarmigan also hide out among boulders, overhanging snowfields, and low shrubs. Status in Montana In Montana, the white-tailed ptarmigan is found only in a few mountain ranges in the state’s northwestern region. Due of its limited distribution, this native bird is classified as a species of special concern in Montana. Although it is also classified as a game bird, no hunting for the species is currently permitted. According to Jim Cross, a former FWP wildlife manager in northwestern Montana, ptarmigan occur in naturally low densities and will probably never reach huntable numbers. “Pursuing them with a camera is a great way to go,” he says.

Ptarmigan Info (Lagopus lagopus, mutus, or leuvurus) You will shortly hear the sounds of a male Willow Ptarmigan calling to a nearby female, recorded at Lost Lake, AK in early June. Order: Galliformes (terrestrial birds) Family: Tetraonidae (grouse, turkey, and quail) Body: There are three species of ptarmigan and all are found in Alaska. The the the Willow Ptarmigan, Rock Ptarmigan, and White-tailed Ptarmigan. They are similar in body characteristics and weigh from 10.5 ounces to 1.5 pounds, but the White-tailed are generally the smallest type. Ptarmigan have a wingspan of about 18 inches and their wings remain all white, but are often covered by top feathers of a different color. Their feet are covered in feathers to help keep them warmer and for flotation on powdery snow. Their plumage varies from a mottled brow or grey during the summer to basically a solid white during the winter and they molt as the seasons change. During breeding season, they will exibit red or black bars above the eyes.

Diet: During the winter, ptarmigan will eat willow buds and twigs, birch catkins and buds, as well as alder. During the spring mating season, their diet expands to include flowers, last years berries, and all types of insects. During the early fall, as the insect numbers decrease, they again turn towards berries, seeds, and buds. Range: The different types of ptarmigan favor somewhat different ranges but may all be living on the same mountain. They do have altitudinal preferences, but these are not rigid. Willow ptarmigan tend to live nearer to treeline, while Rock ptarmigan prefer lower ridges and middle slopes. White-tailed ptarmigan prefer to be by snow fields and along scree slopes and broken ridges. During autumn, the males and females often seperate, with the females going to lower elevations tand the males staying higher. This migration varies but has been known to reaach distances of 100 to 150 miles. During the winter, ptarmigan are nomadic and rather social, roaming their range in large numbers in search of food and shelter.

In the spring, as breeding season approaches, ptarmigan return in large numgers to their breeding range, but soon seperate to establish their own territories, which they defend vigorously. Life History: Breeding season for ptarmigan occures in early spring and the hen nests on the ground when the snow melts. The hens will lay 6 to 10 eggs, and in late June or eary July, after an incubation period of 3 weeks, the young chicks are born. They will grow very rapidly and can fly as early as nine days after hatching. They will have their full set of flight feathers usually by the age of 8 to 10 weeks. The male Willow ptarmigan remains involved with the family, however the male Rock and White-tailed ptarmigan do not assist with raising of the chicks. The population numbers of ptarmigan can vary remarkably within just a few years. It is not known why this variance between abundant and poor population numbers occures but it may be due to the high reliance on a years chick birth and survival rate. Their is some evidence to suggest a cyclic population, with a peak every 9 to 10 years.

This same type of population cycle is evident in anamals such as the snowshoe hare and the lynx. Willow Ptarmigan Hunting Information, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Alaska Department of Fish and Game Small Game Hunting in Alaska Small Game Species — Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) Habitat Like the other ptarmigan species, the willow ptarmigan nests in sparsely timbered or treeless areas. It favors willow-lined waterways, either on the coastal plains of western and northern Alaska or in subalpine areas throughout the rest of the state. Tall bushes are an important feature for willow ptarmigan. These birds choose wetter places and more luxuriant vegetation for breeding than the other two species of ptarmigan. In winter, willow ptarmigan remain close to shrubby slopes and valleys, but they seek out areas at lower altitudes than what they use during the breeding season. Identification The thick, wide bill is a trademark of all willow ptarmigan, the largest of our three ptarmigan species. Another distinction is the white patch behind the male’s bill, lasting only two or three weeks in spring, before the chestnut plumage of early summer comes in.

Only another ptarmigan can distinguish cocks from hens when willow ptarmigan are in winter plumage. Then, both sexes are white with black tail feathers. Beginning early in May the cocks develop a beautiful cape of chestnut-red feathers. They court the hens in this plumage, not completing the change to the brown summer plumage until the hens are nearly finished incubating the clutch of eggs. No sooner does the male get this first set of dark chestnut feathers, however, than a new generation of lighter brown feathers grows on its neck and breast. This new set is never completed, because by early August the cock is beginning to grow white feathers for the coming winter plumage. In mid-August male ptarmigan are a patchwork of four sets of feathers; a few old winter feathers on the wings, new white feathers on toes and belly, and parts of the light spring and darker summer feathers. Behavior Driven by their reproductive urge, cocks become less and less tolerant of each other throughout March and April. In early spring, males stake claims to parcels of ground that they defend in good weather, but spring snowstorms will send these males back into flocks.

By late April or early May, males establish permanent territories that they defend in fair weather or foul. Hens arrive on the breeding grounds a bit later than males and then select their mates and nesting areas (often the same ones used the previous year). By late May the first eggs are laid under a shrub at the edge of an opening. The cocks stay on their territories throughout June, although the intense strutting, tailfanning and aerial chasing typical of the courtship period wanes after the hens begin to incubate their clutch, which averages between six to ten eggs. Most Alaskan ptarmigan chicks hatch in late June and early July. Unlike other North American grouse or ptarmigan, male willow ptarmigan usually help to care for their chicks. Sometimes, in fact, cocks will take over all family responsibilities if the hen is killed. Both adult willow ptarmigan are vigorous in their defense of the brood.

One of the thrills in store for the Alaskan traveler is the chance to watch the excited actions of a female ptarmigan as she tries to distract attention from her chicks by simulating injury or to duck the flailing wings of the cock as he dives at the two-legged intruder, cackling gutterally as he flies. Despite all of this care, young ptarmigan encounter many things that can kill them unless they are vigorous and lucky. Poor weather too soon after hatching, the quick pounce of the fox or the swift swoop of the hawk, chance separation from the family, and diseases like coccidiosis, all can be fatal. In most years, 65 to 80 percent of all chicks die before they are 11 months old. A ptarmigan’s life expectancy brightens a little once it reaches maturity since adults die at the rate of about 50 to 60 percent per year. At that rate, a 4-yearold ptarmigan is a fortunate bird. The abundance of ptarmigan at any time is the result of the reproductive success minus the deaths during the previous two years.

Ptarmigan numbers can build up with astonishing speed given favorable conditions, but often decline just as rapidly. Male willow ptarmigan Families of willow ptarmigan join to form flocks in September. The ptarmigan then begin to move around more than in the nesting season. Females and males tend to separate in late September and October; the females, usually in small groups, seek food and shelter at lower elevations. In most parts of Alaska these movements to and from summer ranges encompass only a few miles. In other parts of the state good wintering places are far from the breeding grounds. For example, hens that nest or were reared on the north slope of the Brooks Range move up to 100 miles southward in late fall, wintering on the south side of the Brooks Range in the low hills and wooded valleys north of the Yukon River in the east, or in the valleys of the Noatak and Kobuk Rivers to the west. Males of these same populations also largely abandon summer ranges, but do not go as far south as the females. The south-tending migrations take place in October and November. The northward movements begin in February, reach a peak in April, and are finished by mid-May.

The willow ptarmigan has an appropriate name. Not only are willows important nesting habitat, they are also the bird’s most important food source. The leaves of willow shrubs often outrank any other item eaten in summer. In winter the buds, twigs, and catkins of willows provide four-fifths or more of their food. Because moose and snowshoe hare also rely on willows for sustenance, it is fortunate that these shrubs are so widespread in Alaska, and are able to rapidly recover from severe browsing. As with the other ptarmigan species, willow ptarmigan feed on berries in the fall and also eat overwintered berries in the spring. Where to Find Them In Southeast Alaska, several trails lead to ptarmigan country from roads close to Juneau. Willow ptarmigan are common along a 20-mile section of the Haines Highway through Chilkat Pass beginning 65 miles north of Haines. A few miles north of Valdez, the Richardson Highway snakes its way to the crest of Thompson Pass in the Chugach Mountains and winds through good ptarmigan country for nearly 10 miles.

In the Alaska Range these birds can be found in willow thickets and shrub areas above treeline across the Denali Highway, along the Richardson Highway from Paxson to Black Rapids, and along the Parks Highway for several miles either side of Cantwell. Visitors to Denali National Park are likely to see families of willow ptarmigan at streams along the length of the park road. Further north, willow ptarmigan are occasionally seen at various places along higher parts of the Steese and Taylor Highways, both of which span mountains between the Tanana and Yukon Rivers. On the Seward Peninsula, willow ptarmigan can be seen anywhere along the isolated road system fanning out from Nome. Willow ptarmigan also live in many areas far from the highway system in Alaska. Some “hot spots” to find willow ptarmigan are the mountains at the east end of the Skilak and Tustumena Lakes on the Kenai Peninsula, the northwest side of the Alaska Peninsula, the Kotzebue Sound region, and various places in the Brooks Range, notably Anaktuvuk Pass.

Range of the Willow Ptarmigan in Alaska Willow ptarmigan have the widest range in Alaska of any upland game bird, although rock ptarmigan are a close second. The only big areas without willow ptarmigan are in the broad, forested valleys of the Interior (even there you can sometimes find willow ptarmigan in winter), the thick woods of Southeast Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands west of Unimak Island. Willow ptarmigan also live in Canada, Scotland, Scandinavia, and Russia. The shaded portion of the map indicates areas Willow Ptarmigan are found in Alaska. Videos Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Utah hunting Locating white-tailed ptarmigan in the Uinta Mountains The white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus) was introduced into the Uinta Mountains of northern Utah in 1976 with the release of birds captured in Colorado. The initial transplant consisted of 22 paired birds released in June 1976. A second release of 35 mixed young and adults was accomplished in September of the same year.

Since that time, the Division of Wildlife Resources has been studying the progress of the population to determine the success of the transplant and to gather data useful in formulating future management plans. Since the initial transplant period, various agencies, organizations and individuals have expressed interest in the progress of the population and in providing input through field observations of birds. At this time, reliable sightings of ptarmigan would be highly useful in determining the extent and rate of dispersal. However, very few people in Utah have any basic knowledge of the habits of ptarmigan, or even of what they look like. For this reason, we have set down some guidelines to follow in locating this unique bird, along with a brief outline of its life history. Description and life history The white-tailed ptarmigan is the smallest of the three North American species of ptarmigan, and the only one found south of Canada. It is also the smallest North American member of the Tetraonidae, or grouse family. During spring, summer and fall, the periods when ptarmigan are most likely to be observed, the birds are a mottled brown-gray coloration, with the tail and the outer wing feathers flashing conspicuously white, especially when flushed.

During the winter, they are entirely white except for the beak, eyes and claws. In size, ptarmigan most closely resemble a Hungarian partridge or chukar partridge. A mature adult will attain a live weight of about 3/4 pound (average is 11.5 oz.). Ptarmigan are unique in that they spend their entire lives in an environment so harsh that is seems incredible that they should survive. But they do, in fact, having adapted to conditions of life in the alpine tundra of our highest mountains. During the winter, ptarmigan inhabit areas where willow, their staple food, may be found. In the Uintas, such areas are most often found along stream courses and in high basins above or near timberline. Here the birds feed on tall willow that reaches above the snow, or on lower plants that have been exposed by wind action. For protection, the birds may seek shelter in rock piles, or during harsh weather may burrow under the snow. With the onset of spring, ptarmigan move (usually upward) to their breeding territories. These are areas that bare off by early May because of exposure to wind and/or sun. Willow is again a critical component of these areas.

Here the male defends his territory from other males and forms a pair with a female. The territory is occupied by both until mid-to late June when the female begins laying her eggs. By the time the eggs have hatched (mid to late July), the males have generally left the area to move up to summering habitat at higher elevation. The female with her brood of from 3-6 chicks soon follows. Here they will remain, eating late-persisting green vegetation such as Geum, Carex and Polygonum until the onset of winter storms initiates a return to the wintering areas. Description of habitat types Wintering habitat The most important characteristic of ptarmigan winter habitat is the availability of willow. Willow buds and twigs provide almost the sole food source at this time. Suitable areas are generally of two types: tall willow growth along stream courses that extends above snowpack, and shorter willow that is exposed by the action of wind. In either type, evidence of ptarmigan use may be found by searching around the protected bases of willow bushes and around the bases of nearby rocks for piles of droppings left by roosting birds.

The interfaces where willow bottoms meet talus slopes are especially good areas to examine. The droppings, when located, will be reddish brown to chocolate brown, about 1 1/2 inches long, 1/3 inch in diameter and usually in piles of several dozen pellets. Breeding territories During the period from early May until late June, both males and females will be located on breeding territories. Such areas are variable, but two factors determine which areas are utilized — the specific site must be snow-free by early May, and it must be in association with willow. Such snow-free areas may be created by southerly exposures or areas which are windswept and bare off rapidly. A typical breeding territory will be a bare area at the base of a talus slope, a windswept saddle or knoll, or a high bench. In all cases, the territory will be in an alpine area above timberline. At this time, birds may be easily located by using a taped male territorial call, which in a very high percentage of cases will elicit a response from a male defending a territory. Before mid-June, the female can often be observed with the male.

After mid-June, hens will begin laying and incubating and will not be easily located. During the time the birds are on territories, they will also be finishing the molt of their winter plumage, and fresh white feathers will commonly be found on active territories. Brood-rearing areas A short while after the ptarmigan hen hatches her clutch of eggs, she begins moving the chicks upward toward summer brood-rearing areas. Normal hatching dates are from mid- to late July. By early August, broods will have moved to summering areas. Certain specific types of areas will harbor broods, while large expanses will contain no birds. Probably the key factor in determining these areas is the persistence of green, succulent vegetation into mid-August. Typically, such vegetation is found around the heads of streams and around springs, or below a late lying snowfield. When succulent vegetation is found along the edge of a talus slope or rock field, the area's suitability for ptarmigan is excellent.

In the Uinta mountains, typical brood-rearing areas may be found around the periphery of the very highest alpine basins, with elevations varying from about 11,200 to 13,000 feet. In all cases, the birds will be far above timberline at this time of year and will remain so until forced down by the onset of winter snows. Specifics of the Uinta Mountain ptarmigan population Original releases of white-tailed ptarmigan were made at a point about one-half mile southeast of Gunsight Pass and one mile east of Kings Peak in Painter Basin of the Uinta River drainage. The population in Painter Basin has increased to the point that birds may be at carrying capacity. Birds now may be found in Garfield Basin, Yellowstone Basin, Gilbert Basin, Atwood Basin, Beaver Basin, Rainbow Basin, and in Smith's Fork, Rock Creek, Black's Fork, Henry's Fork, and Lake Fork drainages. Ptarmigan are believed to be distributed from Deadhorse Pass on the west to Leidy Peak on the east. Hunting for ptarmigan will be allowed as specified in the current Upland Game Guidebook . The limit is four birds.

A free permit is required. Areas open include all of Daggett, Duchesne, Summit and Uintah counties. Ptarmigan are found above timberline in moist areas. Ptarmigan should not be confused with blue grouse. They are about one-third the size of blue grouse and as their name implies, have a white tail. During hunting seasons, ptarmigan will have begun to acquire their white winter plumage but may retain some brown and black molting on the upper surfaces of the head, back, and wings. Blue grouse are much darker, especially on the underparts and have a dark, slate-colored tail with a broad, light gray terminal band. Please do not litter. Leave your camp more clean than when you found it. Please pick up all spent shot shell casings since they persist for years and are quite obvious above timberline. Hot subjects

Question: What type of bird is a ptarmigan?
Answer: Grouse