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336 Featured Specimen
Rock ptarmigan

Details

Rock ptarmigan

Lagopus muta

Size
34–36 cm · 350–600 g
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Sociality
Loose group
Lifespan
2–6 years

The rock ptarmigan is a cold-country grouse of Arctic and alpine habitats. Its plumage changes with the seasons, blending with snow and rock.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Arctic OceanArctic OceanArctic OceanPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearctic

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses tundra, alpine dwarf pine zones, and rocky open ground around the Arctic and across Palearctic and Nearctic highlands. Low shrubs and herbs provide food and cover.

Appearance

Length is 34-36 cm and weight 350-600 g. Winter plumage is mostly white, while summer plumage is mottled brown and grey; feathered toes help on snow.

Behavior

Diurnal birds often form loose groups outside the breeding season. They walk while feeding and escape low over the ground toward rocks or cover.

Feeding

A herbivore, it eats buds, leaves, flowers, berries, and seeds. In winter it relies on exposed shrub buds and twig tips above the snow.

Reproduction

The nest is a shallow scrape on the ground, incubated by the female. Precocial chicks walk soon after hatching and peck at small plants and insects.

Notes

It is listed as Least Concern. Local populations are closely tied to cold open habitats and can be affected by changes in snow and alpine vegetation.