White-Tailed Ptarmigan
ExploreBirds
White-Tailed Ptarmigan
lagopus leucura
The White-Tailed Ptarmigan is a fluffy bird that changes color with the seasons! It loves to play in the snow and can be very hard to spot because of its camouflaged feathers.
Habitat: Mountainous areas with snow and rocks, mainly in North America.
Appearance
The White-Tailed Ptarmigan is a medium-sized bird with rounded wings and a short, stout bill. It is unique for its all-white tail feathers, which remain white year-round. Its plumage dramatically changes from mottled brown in summer to pure white in winter for camouflage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyPhasianidaeGenusLagopus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
3
Interesting facts
Baby ptarmigans can walk and find their own food just hours after hatching!
Male ptarmigans perform funny display flights to attract a mate in spring.
Their winter diet of tough willow buds shows how hardy these mountain birds are!
These tough birds stay high on snowy mountains year-round, even through winter!
Special abilities
Ability
Seasonal Switch-up
White-Tailed Ptarmigan can change feather colors seasonally because it helps them blend perfectly with their snowy or rocky habitat.
Ability
Snowshoe Steps
White-Tailed Ptarmigan has heavily feathered feet that act like natural snowshoes, helping them walk easily on deep snow.
Ability
Snow Burrower
White-Tailed Ptarmigan can burrow into snow for warmth because it helps them hide from predators and harsh winter weather.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-35 cm
- Wingspan
- 55-65 cm
- Weight
- 0.35-0.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-6 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 4-8
- Incubation
- 21-24 days
Diet & Feeding
These birds are plant-eaters, feasting on mountain plants and tiny insects when young.
Age differences: Chicks eat insects for quick growth, while adults primarily eat plant matter like buds and leaves.
Primary Foods
- Willow buds
- Birch catkins
- Leaves
- Berries
- Flowers
- Insects
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
A powerful bird of prey that hunts ptarmigans.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
A cunning predator that preys on ptarmigans and their nests.
eaten by
Wolverine
Gulo gulo
This fierce mammal sometimes preys on ptarmigans in their alpine habitat.
eats
Arctic Willow
Salix arctica
Ptarmigans primarily eat buds and twigs from this hardy plant.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
LagopusMountain ChickenSnow Chicken
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify White-Tailed Ptarmigan?
The easiest way to identify White-Tailed Ptarmigan is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is White-Tailed Ptarmigan?
30-35 cm
What is White-Tailed Ptarmigan's wingspan?
55-65 cm
How much does White-Tailed Ptarmigan weigh?
0.35-0.5 kg
How long does White-Tailed Ptarmigan live?
3-6 years
How fast can White-Tailed Ptarmigan move?
60 km/h
What does White-Tailed Ptarmigan eat?
These birds are plant-eaters, feasting on mountain plants and tiny insects when young.
Where is White-Tailed Ptarmigan usually found?
Mountainous areas with snow and rocks, mainly in North America.
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park26 sightings50 species
Washington, US
Pasayten Wilderness
You might spot Whitebark Pine, Subalpine Larch, and White Pasqueflower.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Colorado, US
Echo Lake Park
You might spot Great Basin Bristlecone Pine and Fireweed.
View guide →
Park29 sightings12 species
California, US
Great Sierra Mine Historic Site
You might spot American Pika, Yellow-Bellied Marmot, and Shasta Blue.
View guide →
Park17 sightings2 species
British Columbia, CA
Cathedral Provincial Park
You might spot Subalpine Larch, Arrowleaf Senecio, and Moss Campion.
View guide →
.jpg&width=800)
