🐦

Birdle

All birds
Rock Ptarmigan

Rock Ptarmigan

Lagopus muta

A master of seasonal camouflage, the Rock Ptarmigan turns pure white in winter and mottled grey-brown in summer to blend with its Arctic and alpine habitat. Found across northern North America, Scandinavia, Russia, and Iceland, it is one of the hardiest birds on Earth. It even grows feathered "snowshoes" on its feet to walk on snow.

Fun Fact

Rock Ptarmigans turn completely white in winter for camouflage, then brown again in summer.

Attributes

TypeGamebird
Habitattundra, mountain
SizeMedium
Dietseeds
FlightLimited
Colorswhite, brown, gray
MigratoryNo
ContinentsNorth America, Europe, Asia
Nest Typeground
ConservationLeast Concern
Difficulty: hard