White-Tailed Ptarmigan

Description: The white-tailed ptarmigan is the smallest of the ptarmigans as well as the smallest grouse in North America. It is distinguished from other ptarmigans by its white tail. The plumage changes three times a year. In the summer, the head, neck, back and rear are mottled black, white and tan, while the undersides are white; in the winter, it’s white all over. The feet are feathered to the ends of the toes in the winter and feathered to the base of the feet in the summer. The sexes are similar, although males have red eye combs and the mottling on females extends further down the chest in the summer. Average size: 12-13 inches. Average weight: ¾ -1 pound.

Science: The white-tailed ptarmigan is found in some mountainous regions of the western United States, Alaska, and Canada up to 2000 feet above the tree line. These southernmost-dwelling ptarmigans may be found on alpine ridges and meadows and commonly use willow and mosses for cover. They move down to the timberline in the winter, often preferring to walk rather than fly, with their feathered toes acting as snowshoes. They eat buds and twigs in the winter and green leaves and flowers in the summer. They sometimes form groups around a food source. Late in the winter, they form sexually segregated groups. The population is stable, as their habitat is rarely threatened. Small numbers have been introduced successfully in select western areas such as the High Sierras.

Hunting: These birds are rarely hunted, though they can be glassed and stalked in the open treeless areas they inhabit. The eating quality is good: the meat is dark but mild. Older birds may be tough.