Pheasants and grouse · Gamebirds
Rock Ptarmigan
Copied!
Lagopus muta
Copied!
How to recognize it
-
35 cm, slightly smaller than the willow ptarmigan
-
Winter plumage almost all white
-
Black outer tail feathers; male with a black line at the bill base
-
Summer plumage gray-brown and mottled, with white wing feathers
About the species
In winter it turns almost all white, with black tail feathers and a thin black line across the face near the bill. In summer the plumage shifts to grey and brown, while the wings stay white, so it blends into stony ground and patchy snow.
The male gives guttural snores, rattles, and a rasping display call during the breeding season. He also chases rivals on the ground and makes short flights with a fanned tail when defending space.
Rock Ptarmigan lives on rocky mountainsides and tundra across the Arctic and Subarctic, with smaller isolated groups farther south in mountains. It feeds on buds, leaves, berries, seeds, and shoots, and chicks take insects. Most populations stay in place or move only short distances in winter.
Where to find
-
On bare rocky slopes and beside old stone retaining walls — near the snow line, where Rock Ptarmigan can vanish against grey rock.
-
On vacant lots with low grass and scattered shrubs — quick dashes across the ground while picking at seeds.
-
Along open urban embankments and stony mounds on the city edge — easy to miss until a quiet, rasping call comes from the ground.
-
In wind-exposed high spots where snow lingers and shrubs are sparse, look for a motionless shape that only breaks cover with short calls.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Lagopus muta Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Rock ptarmigan Encyclopedia article