Species BirdsWillow Ptarmigan

Willow Ptarmigan

Lagopus lagopus

UncommonBird
Illustration of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)

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.

Habitat
Willow and birch shrub tundra and arctic lowlands
Diet
Willow buds and catkins in winter; berries, leaves, and insects in summer
How common
Uncommon

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