Rock Ptarmigan
Least ConcernLagopus muta
Visual Identification
Rock Ptarmigan
Appearance
The Rock Ptarmigan exhibits remarkable seasonal plumage changes. In winter, both sexes are predominantly white, blending seamlessly with snowy landscapes, although they have black tails and reddish 'eyebrows', known as a comb.
Males can be identified by their more prominent comb and the black streak between their eyes and bill. The bird has a stocky build with a short, hooked bill, dark eyes and feathered feet.
During summer, males develop mottled grey and brown plumage, while females and juveniles show a more cryptic pattern of brown, black, and buff. Both sexes retain white wings year-round.
Size
Length
34cm to 36cm
Wingspan
54cm to 60cm
Weight
400g to 750g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Brown
Secondary Colour
Grey Black Red
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
White
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Rock Ptarmigans inhabit arctic and alpine tundra across North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer rocky, sparsely vegetated areas with low-growing plants. These birds are found in Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and mountainous regions of Scotland and Scandinavia.
During harsh winters, some populations may move to slightly lower elevations or more sheltered areas, but generally remain in their high-altitude habitats year-round.
Elevation Range
2,000 to 5,000 metres
Climate zones
Arctic, Subarctic, Alpine
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Rock Ptarmigans are primarily herbivorous. Their diet consists mainly of buds, leaves, and twigs from arctic and alpine plants, particularly willow and birch. In summer, they supplement their diet with berries, seeds, insects, and snails.
Their specialised digestive system allows them to extract nutrients from tough plant material efficiently.
Behaviour
Rock Ptarmigans are well-adapted to harsh arctic and alpine environments. They burrow into the snow for insulation and protection from predators.
These birds are generally sedentary but may move to lower elevations in severe winter conditions. They form small flocks outside the breeding season, often segregated by sex.
Vocalisation
The Rock Ptarmigan's call is a distinctive, guttural croak or bark, often described as 'arr-arr-arr' or 'go-back, go-back'. Males produce a low-pitched, growling sound during territorial displays. In flight, they may emit a rapid series of clucking notes.
Their vocalisations are adapted to carry in open, windswept habitats.
Nesting & Breeding
Rock Ptarmigans breed during the brief arctic summer. Males establish territories and perform elaborate displays to attract females. Courtship involves aerial displays and ground-based rituals.
Females create shallow scrapes on the ground, often near rocks or vegetation for cover. They lay 6-9 eggs, which are buff-coloured with dark brown spots. The nest is lined with vegetation and feathers.
Incubation lasts about 21-24 days, carried out solely by the female. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching. They can fly within 10-12 days but remain with the female for several weeks.
Lifespan
The Rock Ptarmigan typically lives for 3 to 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 11.7 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Rock Ptarmigans face threats from climate change, which affects their alpine habitats. Some populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and sustainable hunting practices in areas where they are game birds.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Rock Ptarmigans in rocky, treeless areas above the timberline.
- Listen for their distinctive croaking call, especially during the breeding season.
- Observe their seasonal plumage changes for accurate identification.
- In winter, watch for movement against snowy backgrounds to spot these well-camouflaged birds.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Rock Grouse, Snow Chicken
Family:
PhasianidaePredators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, snowy owls, golden eagles, and gyrfalcons. In some areas, humans hunt Rock Ptarmigans for sport and food.
Did You Know?
- Rock Ptarmigans have feathered feet that act like snowshoes, helping them walk on snow.
- They are the only bird species known to eat rock ptarmigan willow buds as a primary food source.
- In Japan, the Rock Ptarmigan is considered a special natural monument and is known as the 'thunderbird'.
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FAQs
Can the Rock Ptarmigan fly?
Rock Ptarmigan spend most of their time on the ground and usually move about on foot. However, they can fly fast and strong, often low to the ground and with rapid wingbeats interspersed with gliding. Some birds have travelled over a thousand kilometres on migration, so they have no problem flying longer distances.
Are Rock Ptarmigan omnivores?
Rock Ptarmigans are primarily vegetarian (over 99%), although they also take some snails, caterpillars, and other invertebrates in the warmer months.
Is a Ptarmigan a prey or predator?
Ptarmigans are low on the food chain and eaten by many birds of prey and mammals, including humans.
How to pronounce Ptarmigan
Ptarmigan is easy to pronounce once you learn that the ‘P’ is silent, as in psychology or raspberry. Their name is pronounced Taar-muh-gn
References
- 2 3 4
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Lagopus muta (errata version published in 2017). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22679464A113623562.
View source - 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
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