Species BirdsWhite-tailed Ptarmigan

White-tailed Ptarmigan

Lagopus leucura

CommonBird
Illustration of White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura)

The White-tailed Ptarmigan is a small, stocky bird with a rounded body and a short tail, which is white in winter and mottled brown in summer. This bird is unique for its ability to change plumage with the seasons.

Habitat
Inhabits alpine tundra and mountainous regions.
Diet
Feeds on leaves, buds, and seeds.
How common
Common

Not certain it is a White-tailed Ptarmigan? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent White-tailed Ptarmigan sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a White-tailed Ptarmigan? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a White-tailed Ptarmigan is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love birds? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More birds

White-throated Magpie-Jay
White-throated Magpie-Jay
Cyanocorax formosus
White-throated Mountain-gem
White-throated Mountain-gem
Lampornis castaneoventris
White-throated Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
White-throated Swift
White-throated Swift
Aeronautes saxatalis
White-throated Thrush
White-throated Thrush
Turdus assimilis
White-tipped Dove
White-tipped Dove
Leptotila verreauxi
White-whiskered Puffbird
White-whiskered Puffbird
Malacoptila panamensis
White-winged Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
Loxia leucoptera