Willow ptarmigan

A northern grouse that changes from brown summer plumage to white winter plumage.

Field guide

A northern grouse that changes from brown summer plumage to white winter plumage.

Identification

Shared features

Feathered feet, rounded body and seasonal coat; males can show a red eye comb.

Male

Both sexes are white in winter with feathered feet. In breeding season the male becomes chestnut-brown above with a white belly and a conspicuous red eye comb.

Female

The female becomes finely barred brown during nesting, which hides her on tundra; she retains a white belly. Molting birds can show mixed brown and white feathers.

Habitat

Low willow scrub, tundra and subarctic thickets.

Where to look during the day

Morning

At dawn, check willow patches where birds feed on buds and leaves.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, scan sheltered shrubs and snow depressions for resting birds.

Evening

At dusk, listen around willow edges as activity increases.

Sounds

A rough, nasal series of cackles, especially in breeding season.

Recorded calls

Willow ptarmigan

Field recording of a willow ptarmigan. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

spint · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

-Ptarmigan: bag limit of 10 per day, and a total possession limit of 30.

Daily: 10Possession: 30

Official bag-limit source