Lagopus muta
The Rock Ptarmigan, Lagopus muta, is a medium-sized gamebird, an undisputed master of camouflage in its unforgiving arctic and alpine environments. Measuring 31-36 cm in length and weighing 430-800g, this stocky grouse is perhaps best known for its extraordinary seasonal plumage changes. In winter, it dons an almost entirely snow-white coat, save for its black tail feathers and the male's distinctive black lore (stripe between eye and bill) and prominent red comb. Summer plumage transitions t...
Found in arctic and alpine tundra environments, typically above the tree line on rocky slopes, barren ground, and open fell-fields with sparse dwarf scrub vegetation.
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on buds, catkins, twigs, leaves, and berries of dwarf willow, birch, crowberry, and dryas. Chicks may consume a small number of insects.
Rock Ptarmigans are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging and typically roosting in snow burrows or sheltered depressions under rocks and shrubs to conserve heat and evade predators. Their foraging strategy involves browsing on buds, catkins, and twigs, often digging through snow to acc...
The Rock Ptarmigan boasts a vast Holarctic distribution, encompassing arctic and subarctic regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. In North America, its range includes Alaska, the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, mainland Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Labrador), and G...
Least Concern
- The Rock Ptarmigan is one of the only bird species that undergoes three distinct plumage changes a year (winter white, spring transition, summer brown) in many subspecies. - Its scientific name, *Lagopus*, means 'hare-footed,' referring to its densely feathered feet that act like natural snowsh...