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Rock Ptarmigan
last update: Feb 24, 2009 11:04 PM
Latin name: Lagopus muta
Longevity: approx. 7 years
Population: 8.2 million individuals
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: Arctic and subarctic Eurasia and North America (including Greenland) on rocky mountainsides and tundra. There are isolated populations in the mountains of Scotland, the Pyrenees, the Alps, Bulgaria, the Urals, the Pamir Mountains, the Altay Mountains and Japan.
Wingspan: approx. 374mm
Length: 32-40 cm
Weight: 440-640 g
Weight at Birth: 15 g
Mating/Breeding: Ptarmigans are generally considered monogamous, or having only one mate at a time. However, when Rock Ptarmigan populations are exceptionally high, cocks have been observed mating with two, and occasionally three, hens that nested on their territories. This is called polygamy. In such cases, males sometimes steal their neighbours’ mates. The females of a polygamous male compete intensely among themselves for the male’s attention, and a hierarchy develops, with the male’s favourite mate holding the dominant position. The downy chicks hatch approximately three weeks after the clutch of is completed. Hens raise only one brood per year. The chicks grow amazingly quickly. Unsteady when hatched, they can scurry like mice within a few days and fly clumsily when about a week old. By autumn, the young are almost adult size and are able to fend for themselves.
Eggs: 3-13 spotted and blotched eggs
Hibernation: Winters mostly in breeding range, but may withdraw from northernmost regions slightly southward
Hunting Habits: forages on the ground for its food
Feed on: Ptarmigan feed primarily on birch and willow buds and catkins when available. They will also take various seeds, leaves, flowers and berries of other plant species. Insects are also taken by the developing young.
Predators: In general, the species is well protected by its wide distribution in areas with low human population density. Threats to local populations are mostly related to overhunting and tourism development.
Colour/Looks: The Ptarmigan is seasonally camouflaged; its feathers moult from white in winter to brown in spring or summer. Breeding males have greyish upper parts with white wings and underparts. In winter, plumage becomes completely white except for the black tail. Ptarmigans have feathered feet, unique among chicken like birds, which improve their ability to walk in snow. They also have white wings throughout the year. Inflatable red combs above their eyes, which are especially evident in territorial and courting males, are inconspicuous to barely visible in females.
Interesting Trivia:
- A true bird of the tundra, the Rock Ptarmigan changes its colouring 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.
- Ptarmigans have a close relationship with arctic peoples that shows clearly in the peoples’ legends, toys, and art.
