Newsletter / Blog
2011-11-24 Alaska State Bird - Willow Ptarmigan - Lagopus lagopus
The Willow
Ptarmigan - Lagopus lagopus - is a member of the Grouse family. It
is the State Bird of Alaska. They can be found in the tundra and in thickets
with alder and willow trees. They are found in open forests and shrub meadows
high in the mountains where the temperature is colder.
Description
In summer male's
plumage is marbled brown, with a reddish hue to the neck and breast, a black
tail, and white wings and underparts. It has two inconspicuous wattles above
the eyes, which become prominent in the breeding season. The female is similar,
but lacks the wattles and has brown feathers strewn all over the belly. In
winter, both sexes' plumages become completely white, except for the black tail.
Call
The male's call
is a loud go-back go-back.
Food
Mainly vegetarian,
also eats berries, seeds and insects. It prefers willow and
birch.
Breeding
The nests contain
seven to ten eggs in a hollowed out area on the ground lined with feathers and
grass. The female will try to find a place sheltered by rocks or
logs. The male guards the area while the female incubates the eggs.
The chicks hatch after about three weeks. Male and Female raise the young,
unlike other members of the Grouse family where only the female raises the
young.
Conservation Status – Least Concern
Birdwatching
|