The Willow Ptarmigan is the state bird of Alaska and a master of camouflage, turning pure white in winter and mottled brown in summer to match its tundra environment. It has feathered toes that act as snowshoes on soft snow. It is the most abundant grouse in the world on the arctic tundra.
Best time to see a Willow Ptarmigan
The best time to see a Willow Ptarmigan is April–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 168,956 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Willow Ptarmigan? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Willow Ptarmigan sightings near you
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