Description
Willow ptarmigan are the largest species of ptarmigan in Alaska, they have wider beaks than other ptarmigan too. Like other ptarmigan they change plumage with the season, from a reddy-chestnut-brown in summer to white in winter. They have red patches above their eyes.
Ptarmigan are easily approachable, often allowing one to walk up to 12ft or closer before flying away.
Diet & Habitat
Willow ptarmigan can be found in all habitats, but are easiest found in the subalpine, alpine tundra. In Southeast Alaska they tend to avoid low elevation thick coastal forest.
The ptarmigan eat eats, berries, buds, and bugs. 60-80 percent of ptarmigan chicks will die in their first year from weather, isolation, fox, hawks, and other birds of prey. Willow ptarmigan have a short life span of 2 years.
