Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 13.8–17.3 in
35–44 cm - Wingspan
- 23.6–25.6 in
60–65 cm - Weight
- 15.2–28.6 oz
430–810 g
Other Names
- Willow Grouse (British), Red Grouse (part)
- Le Lagopéde des saules (French)
Cool Facts
- The subspecies of Willow Ptarmigan living in Great Britain is known as the "Red Grouse." It does not change its coloring in the winter, but remains entirely reddish brown throughout the year.
- The Willow Ptarmigan is the only grouse in the world in which the male is regularly involved in parental care. Pairs remain together from the beginning of the breeding season until their chicks are independent.
Habitat
Scrub
Open tundra, especially in areas heavily vegetated with grasses, mosses, herbs, and shrubs, less frequently in openings in boreal coniferous forest.
Food
Plants
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 4–14 eggs
- Condition at Hatching
- Completely covered with dense down, eyes open. Leave nest within six to 12 hours after the last egg hatches.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Foliage Gleaner
Conservation
Least Concern
Common and widespread.
Credits
- Hannon, S. J., P. K. Eason, and K. Martin. 1998. Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus). In The Birds of North America, No. 369 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.