Rock Ptarmigan
White-tailed Ptarmigan
41 cm (16") Common. Far north in tundra, willow scrub, muskeg and in winter, sheltered valleys. State bird of Alaska.
Similar to Rock Ptarmigan but slightly larger with bigger bill. White wings and black tail year round.
Winter: all white except for black tail; told from Rock Ptarmigan by lack of black eye line.
Summer: more mottled reddish than Rock Ptarmigan. Plumage is patchy white during spring and fall molts.
Song: deep raucous call "go-out, go-out".
Videos
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Credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
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Credit: Daniel Leifheit
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Credit: squirrelsarehere
Images
Credit: Joseph Dsilva
Credit: USFWSAlaska - Nathan Graff
Credit: USFWSAlaska - Nathan Graff
Credit: Jean-Guy Dallaire