Rock Ptarmigan

Rock ptarmigans are compact grouse adapted to Arctic and alpine tundra across northern North America and Eurasia. Seasonal molts replace their mottled brown summer plumage with nearly pure white winter feathers, while their black tails remain visible throughout the year. Feathers covering the feet provide insulation and spread the bird’s weight across soft snow. Southern populations persist in isolated mountain regions including Japan, the Alps and the Pyrenees. (Animal Diversity Web)

Adults feed largely on plant material, including berries, sedges, leaves, buds and catkins, while young chicks consume many insects, spiders and snails. Females place shallow nests on rocky ground and incubate without assistance from males. The down-covered chicks leave the nest within a day, feed independently under their mother’s supervision and can fly at approximately ten days old. Winter flocks may separate according to sex. (Animal Diversity Web)