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Ptarmigan

Cool Critter Factoids

Willow Ptarmigan

Latin Name: Lagopus lagopus
Habitat: Interior Alaska and Northern Canada and Eurasia
Classification: Aves (Birds)

Rock Ptarmigan

Latin Name: Lagopus mutus
Habitat: Arctic and subarctic Eurasia and North America
Classification: Aves (Birds)

White-Tailed Ptarmigan

Latin Name: Lagopus leucurus
Habitat: Mountains of western North America, Alaska Range south to New Mexico
Classification: Aves (Birds)

Three of Kind

Early-day gold miners and trappers originally called the rock ptarmigan a “snow chicken,” because ptarmigan resemble common farm chickens in size and shape. Other than habitat, which is related to altitude, the three related birds differ slightly in their appearance. The rock ptarmigan prefers treeless areas, the willow ptarmigan builds its nests in shrubs and brush, and the white-tailed species live in the upper reaches, near high ridges and glaciers. They can fly, but prefer to walk.

The willow ptarmigan is the Alaska state bird.

Think about it: Would the average chicken survive a winter in the Interior? Does that mean ptarmigan are Super Chickens?!

Tastes like…Ptarmigan?

Ptarmigan have developed unique defenses against Alaskan winters and a variety of predators. Because they are prey for hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, and foxes, ptarmigan have a unique ability to blend into their surroundings.

In the spring and summer months, their feathers are two different colors. Willow ptarmigan males are brown at the head and neck, with a white underbelly. They have short red plumage like eyebrows over each eye. Female willow ptarmigan have smaller eyebrows, but are about the same size as males. Female willows are usually lighter in color at the head and neck. Rock ptarmigan vary slightly in shade from willow ptarmigan. They have brown, gray, or even black feathers on their heads and necks, with white feathers under their bellies. The white-tailed variety has a white belly, tail, and wings. The rest of their bodies blend in perfectly with their rocky alpine habitat.

In winter, both genders of the bird turn snowy white. Only a small group of tail feathers stays dark year-round (except, of course, in the white-tailed ptarmigan). The changing feathers lend the birds needed cover and the ability to hide from their predators. They stay warm in winter by burrowing dens in large snowdrifts.

Think about it: What other birds and animals of the North have an appearance that changes with the season?

Check Out Those Legs

Ptarmigan have feathers on their legs and feet, which lend added warmth and the ability to move smoothly over the snow, as if they were walking on snowshoes. This unique feature is even referred to in the birds’ genus name “Lagopus.” Broken down, the term is comprised of the Greek word lagos, for “hare,” and “pus,” for foot: hare-foot.

In all seasons, ptarmigan use their feet to dig for food. They scrape the earth mostly for seeds, berries, leaves and shoots of plants, but will occasionally survive on insects when vegetation is scarce.

Think about it: How do the ptarmigan’s “snowshoes” work? Test it out.

Dad to the Rescue

When the male willow ptarmigan calls, it sounds as if he is singing “go-back go-back.” His unique call seems to suit him for his job: the male willow ptarmigan is the only member of this bird family that will stay with the female as she cares for her young. He hides near his family, and has been known to attack any potential predators that might harm them. Usually, he defends the nest against gulls that are trying to steal the eggs. But the bird does not back down from larger predators in spite of his small size. He will fight off bears, foxes, and even humans if he feels the female and eggs are threatened. Ultimately, if the female dies, the male willow ptarmigan will protect the eggs and care for the young.

Think about it: Why do willow ptarmigan have a survival advantage over other birds?

Image provided by Anchorage Daily News.

Image provided by Anchorage Daily News.

Image provided by Anchorage Daily News.

Image provided by Anchorage Daily News.

Image provided by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.

Image provided by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.

Image provided by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.

Image provided by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.

Image provided by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.

Image provided by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.