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Rock Ptarmigan

Lagopus muta ORDER: GALLIFORMES FAMILY: PHASIANIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Rock Ptarmigan Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A true bird of the tundra, the Rock Ptarmigan changes its coloring between seasons to blend in with its surroundings. It is pure white in the snow-covered winter, but mottled dark and white when the snows melt.

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Appearance

Gamebirds
Gamebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Medium to large chicken-like bird. Thick bodied. Tail moderately short, rounded, and black. Completely white in winter. Barred grayish brown in summer. Wings white.

Immature Description

Similar to adult.

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Similar Species

  • Willow Ptarmigan has larger bill, lacks black eyestripe in winter. Male is more reddish brown in breeding plumage. Female more brown and less gray.
  • White-tailed Ptarmigan is smaller, lacks black eyestripe, and has all-white tail (difficult to see).