Willow Ptarmigan Identification

Adult male (Willow)

Medium-sized stocky bird with a short tail and a short, stout bill. Breeding males have a red eyebrow, a chestnut neck, and a white belly.

Nonbreeding adult (Willow)

Males and females turn white in the winter and blend in with their snowy surroundings.

Males

Calls include a low series of clucks that can accelerate into an odd nasal growl.

Adult (Willow)

This individual is molting into its white winter plumage. Its brown and rusty patches are being replaced by white feathers. Note feathered feet.

Female (Willow)

Medium-sized stocky bird with a short and stout bill. Females are mottled in brown, black, and white during the breeding season.

Male (Red Grouse)

Male (Red Grouse)

Breeding male (Willow)

Found in open tundra, especially in areas heavily vegetated with grasses, mosses, herbs, and shrubs.

Female (Willow)

Nonbreeding adult (Willow)