Birds and Global Warming Global Warming
Birds & Global Warming
 State Birds
 Migratory Birds
 Ducks and Other Waterfowl
 Help Birds Affected by Global Warming
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Alaska species impacted by Global Warming
Willow Ptarmigan Willow Ptarmigan
(Lagopus lagopus)

State bird of Alaska
Photo © Gregory J. Winston
Learn more about this bird at eNature.com

 
The willow ptarmigan is not in danger of disappearing from Alaska.

Description
15-17" (38-43 cm). A small tundra grouse with red comb over each eye. In winter, entirely white except for black tail. In summer, male rusty red with white wings and belly; female mottled and barred with brown except for white wings. Spring and fall molting plumages show a variety of checkered patterns. Summer males of other ptarmigan species more grayish. Winter Rock Ptarmigan has black stripe through eye. White-tailed Ptarmigan has entirely white tail.

Voice
In flight, courting males have a loud, staccato go-back, go-back, go-back, and other guttural calls.

Habitat
Tundra; also thickets in valleys and foothills; muskeg.
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The background information for this presentation comes from The Birdwatcher's Guide to Global Warming, which was prepared by Jeff Price, Ph.D., American Bird Conservancy and Patricia Glick, M.S., National Wildlife Federation.

General Notes

 





 

 
 
American Beauties Native Plant Information

Related Resources

Silent Spring: A Sequel? - Climate change already is affecting the range and behavior of many North American birds; some scientists fear these shifts are just a hint of what's to come.

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