Willow Ptarmigan
Lagopus lagopus
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Lagopus lagopus
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Mass
~570 g
Habitat
Grasslands and meadows
Diet
Plants and grasses
How to recognize it
The Willow Ptarmigan changes its look with the season. In winter it is almost entirely white, while in summer it turns brown and mottled, blending in well with the ground around it.
It is a grounded, quiet northern resident that spends much of its time on foot and lifts off only when it has to. In spring the males become much livelier, giving voice often and driving off rivals while they court females and guard territory.
Look for it in tundra, forest-tundra, northern taiga, and shrub patches with willow, birch, and berries. Its diet is mostly plant food, with buds and shoots in winter and leaves, seeds, flowers, and berries in summer; young also take insects at first.
Quick Facts
The Willow Ptarmigan changes its look with the season. In winter it is almost entirely white, while in summer it turns brown and mottled, blending in well with the ground around it.
It is a grounded, quiet northern resident that spends much of its time on foot and lifts off only when it has to. In spring the males become much livelier, giving voice often and driving off rivals while they court females and guard territory.
Look for it in tundra, forest-tundra, northern taiga, and shrub patches with willow, birch, and berries. Its diet is mostly plant food, with buds and shoots in winter and leaves, seeds, flowers, and berries in summer; young also take insects at first.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Lagopus lagopus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Willow ptarmigan Encyclopedia article