Ptarmigan

Ptarmigan, common name for three species constituting a genus of the grouse subfamily, found in mountain, alpine, and tundra areas around the northern hemisphere. One bird, the white-tailed ptarmigan, is confined to high mountains of western North America. The willow ptarmigan and the rock ptarmigan are circumpolar, and are among the very few nonmigratory birds of the Arctic. Ptarmigan are notable for having a molting cycle unique among birds, in that they assume a white plumage in winter, in addition to the usual spring and fall plumages. Their toes, at best sparsely feathered at other times, become heavily feathered in winter, creating efficient “snowshoes.” One population of willow ptarmigan, the red grouse of the British Isles, does not develop the white winter plumage.

Male willow ptarmigan during the breeding season have chestnut heads and breasts, white bellies, and mottled backs. Females are buff in color, heavily barred with black on the underparts. In the fall, males assume a more femalelike plumage before attaining the winter white. The corresponding spring and fall plumages of male rock and white-tailed ptarmigan are grayer.

Scientific classification: Ptarmigans constitute the genus Lagopus in the subfamily Tetraoninae, family Phasianidae. The white-tailed ptarmigan is classified as Lagopus leucurus, the willow ptarmigan as Lagopus lagopus, and the rock ptarmigan as Lagopus mutus. The red grouse of the British Isles is classified as Lagopus lagopus scoticus.