White-tailed Ptarmigan Sounds

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Song
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Colorado, June 23, 2008Recorded by Nathan Pieplow
Calls
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Colorado, June 23, 2008Recorded by Nathan Pieplow
Calls
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Montana, June 27, 1961Recorded by Warren Y. Brockelman | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Montana, June 27, 1961Recorded by Warren Y. Brockelman | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Colorado, June 21, 1970Recorded by William W. H. Gunn | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Washington, September 22, 2009Recorded by Charlie Wright | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Montana, June 27, 1961Recorded by Warren Y. Brockelman | Macaulay Library

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Songs

No song in the conventional sense, but males often deliver a so-called "flight scream," a short series of high, screeching clucks, given during aerial displays over territory.

Calls

White-tailed Ptarmigan are most vocal during the nesting season. Both sexes produce a series of nasal clucks and growls.

Other Sounds

Displaying males audibly drag their wingtips over the ground.

Compare with Similar Species

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Willow Ptarmigan

Rock Ptarmigan

Spruce Grouse

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Species in This Family

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies(Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae)

Greater Prairie-Chicken

Lesser Prairie-Chicken

White-tailed Ptarmigan

Browse Species in This Family

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Right Bird, Right House: Guide to Birds and Birdhouses for Your Region

The Best Trees, Vines, and Shrubs to Plant for Birds: a Starter List

Feeding Birds: a Quick Guide to Seed Types

Why do migrating Canada Geese sometimes fly in the "wrong" direction?

I found a pigeon or dove that seems tame and has colored bands on its legs. What should I do?

Snowy Owls Aren't Starving: Two Canadian Farmers Help Bust a Pervasive Myth