Willow Ptarmigan

Pheasants & Allies 👁 556 views Updated 2026-11-01

Willow Ptarmigan (<em>Lagopus lagopus</em>) is a species of Pheasants & Allies (<em>Phasianidae</em>) in the order Gamebirds (Chickens, Pheasants and Grouse).

Overview

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) is a species of Pheasants & Allies (Phasianidae) in the order Gamebirds (Chickens, Pheasants and Grouse). A grouse that turns pure white in winter and mottled brown in summer; feathered feet act like snowshoes; lives in tundra and willow thickets; a classic example of seasonal camouflage; males have red eye combs.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Lagopus; binomial: Lagopus lagopus; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 35-43cm. Average lifespan: 5-8 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic and the Palearctic.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.

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