White-tailed Ptarmigan

Lagopus leucuraOrder: GALLIFORMESFamily: Turkeys and Grouse (Phasianidae)

Overview

White-tailed Ptarmigan: Small grouse, mottled brown overall, white on wings, breast, belly, red eye comb, white-edged brown tail, legs covered with white feathers. It is the smallest of the ptarmigans, and the only one that nests south of Canada. Lives most of its life above timberline.

Range and Habitat

White-tailed Ptarmigan: Common resident in the Canadian and northern U.S. Rockies, ranging from the most northern states southward to northern New Mexico. Found on rocky ridges near the snow line.

Listen:

Voice Text

"ku-kriii kriii", "kuk-kuk-kuk"

White-tailed Ptarmigan

● Song: "ku-kriii kriii", "kuk-kuk-kuk"

● Foraging & Feeding: White-tailed Ptarmigan: Feeds on seeds, buds, flowers, and fruits of willows and other alpine plants; occasionally eats insects.

● Breeding & nesting: White-tailed Ptarmigan: Three to nine brown-blotched or spotted, pink or buff eggs are laid among rocks in a ground depression lined with grass, lichens, small leaves, and feathers. Incubation ranges from 22 to 24 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: White-tailed Ptarmigan: Other ptarmigans have black on tails.

Flight Pattern

Strong,swift, and rapid, but relatively short flight.

White-tailed Ptarmigan Winter Male Body Illustration

● Range & Habitat: White-tailed Ptarmigan: Common resident in the Canadian and northern U.S. Rockies, ranging from the most northern states southward to northern New Mexico. Found on rocky ridges near the snow line.

^BreedingMonogamous

^Population

^MigrationNonmigratory

^Weight12.7 Ounces

Field Guide to Birds of North America