Pheasants and grouse · Gamebirds
Willow Ptarmigan
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Lagopus lagopus
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Voice
Song
Jimmy Utterström
How to recognize it
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Winter plumage mostly white, with black outer tail feathers
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Summer plumage brown or mottled, no bold contrast blocks
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Large, compact grouse with feathered legs
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Usually runs on the ground; flushes only reluctantly
About the species
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.
Where to find
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At the city edge where willows, birches, and low scrub grow close together — it stays on the ground, darting between tussocks and freezing in cover.
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Along reed-fringed pond margins, wet ditch banks, and soggy low spots — watch for quick runs while it browses buds and fresh shoots.
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In northern-style parks with scattered pines and birches — spring males give themselves away with guttural calls and display flights over open patches.
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In winter, look beside snowdrifts and quiet shrub-lined courtyards — nearly invisible in white plumage, then suddenly running out to bare twigs.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Lagopus lagopus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Willow ptarmigan Encyclopedia article