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