PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The ptarmigan is white in the winter months and brownish in the summer months so that it can hide from its predators.

The nostrils are hiden by dense feathers that keep out snow in the winter.

The short hind toe, called the hallux, is higher than the three front toes.
 

HABITAT AND LIFE CYCLE

When willow ptarmigan are very abundant, each male begins to strut and call on a bare spot of ground it has selected.  Males may then engagen in fierce battles that leave others and themselves with plucked feathers and open sores.

Hens usually lay 6-7 eggs from end of May to the beginning of July.  The shells are yellowish, splotched with brown.  The chick that are born, are ready to fend for themselves come the harsh winter.

Page last updated on September 6, 2001