Willow Ptarmigan
NameWillow Ptarmigan
Common NameWillow Ptarmigan
Scientific NameLagopus lagopus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)60
Length (cm)39
Weight (g)625
Plumage DetailsExhibits striking seasonal plumage changes. In summer, it is mottled brown and black for camouflage. In winter, it becomes entirely white except for black tail feathers. The individual in the image is a male in transitional or breeding plumage, displaying a reddish-brown head and neck, white body, and distinct red combs above the eyes.
Vocalization / CallMales have a distinctive 'go-back, go-back' call, often described as a cackling or crowing sound. They also produce gobbling and clucking vocalizations.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeCircumpolar distribution across arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, including Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Siberia.
Identifying Featuresseasonal plumage changes (white in winter, brown in summer), red combs above eyes (males in breeding season), feathered feet, stocky body, short tail
Description
The Willow Ptarmigan is a medium-sized grouse renowned for its seasonal plumage changes, adapting from mottled brown in summer to pure white in winter. Males in breeding plumage, as depicted, feature a rich reddish-brown head and neck contrasting with a white body, along with prominent red combs above their eyes. They are ground-dwelling birds found in cold, northern environments.
