willow ptarmigan

1. Bird Name
English Name: Willow Ptarmigan
Scientific Name: Lagopus lagopus

2. Appearance
The Willow Ptarmigan is an interesting and adaptable bird with a physical appearance that works in tandem with the seasonal changes. The adults are known for their reddish-brown summer feathering which blends well into the tundra’s mosses and lichens. As winter sets in, they molt into a snowy white plumage that is the perfect camouflage against the icy landscape. Their tails, however, remain black throughout the year. Their eyes are a deep, dark brown while the beak is small, hooked, and perfect for scratching and pecking at food sources. One key identifier of this bird is the red ‘eye-brows’ or ‘combs’ above their eyes, more prominent in males. The males during the breeding season often have a rufous tinge to their necks and breasts.

3. Size
An adult Willow Ptarmigan is relatively small bird. Average length varies from 14 to 17 inches (35 to 43 centimeters) and their wingspan ranges from 21 to 23 inches (54 to 60 centimeters). The weight varies between males and females with males weighing an average of 685 grams and females approximately 580 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Willow Ptarmigan is primarily found in the northern hemisphere, including areas like Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia and Siberia, though they at times can be found as far south as the northern United States. This bird thrives in areas of tundra and moorlands, favoring habitats with abundant willow growth from which it gets its name.

5. Interesting Facts
Some fascinating aspects of Willow Ptarmigans include their migration habits, with some birds journeying up to 1000 miles south in the winter months. While Willow Ptarmigans have the ability to fly, they prefer to remain on the ground, even building nests therein. Linguistically, the name “ptarmigan” is derived from a Gaelic name, ‘tàrmachan’, with a silent ‘p’ added in the 16th century due to mistaken Greek etymology.

6. Diet
Willow Ptarmigans primarily feed on willow buds and leaves, supplemented by seeds, flowers, berries, insects, and small invertebrates. In winters when vegetation is scarce, they feed on buds and twigs of shrubs like birch and willow.

7. Behaviors & Sounds
Willow Ptarmigans are monogamous and engage in communal nesting during the breeding season. They often play dead to confuse predators – a technique that is taught to their chicks from an early age. The male is known for its distinct alarm call, a raspy ‘rahh’, while the female is known for her guttural ‘urr’ sound often resulting in a communicative duet.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Willow Ptarmigan is currently listed as least concern, thanks to its wide range and large population.

9. Lifespan
A Willow Ptarmigan lives an average of 2 to 3 years in the wild but they have been known to live up to 13 years in captivity.

10. Additional Notes
Locally, Willow Ptarmigans are often referred to as “snow chickens” due to their winter coloration and size. Historically, they’ve had an important role in the diet of Arctic human populations. Ecologically, they are a crucial element of the food chain. Their population fluctuations are known to impact the numbers of predators like foxes and hawks.