Ptarmigans are hardy people in the fresh grouse family members that purchase very of its existence on the floor in the otherwise over the treeline. Around three varieties are present in the United states: the new Willow Ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus, the latest Light-tailed Ptarmigan Lagopus leucurus, and the Material Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus.
Like other grouse, ptarmigans have chunky government, quick tails and you can foot, and you can small, round wings. Willow Ptarmigans consider away from 450 so you can 800 g, White-tailed Ptarmigans weighing in the 350 g, and you will Stone Ptarmigans try advanced sizes.
All ptarmigans provides feathered legs, book among chickenlike birds, and therefore enhance their ability to walk-in accumulated snow. They also have white wings all year long. Inflatable red-colored combs over the attention, which are specifically obvious within the territorial and you may courting guys, was hidden so you’re able to barely noticeable in women.
Ptarmigans features around three seasonal plumages a year, instead of the a couple of which might be usual for many birds. These plumages keep the wild birds, especially the women, better camouflaged all of the time. Whereas Light-tailed Ptarmigans has actually forever white tail feathers, the fresh tails off Willow and you will Stone Ptarmigans continue to be black colored throughout the season. From inside the winter, male-and many ladies-Rock Ptarmigans recreation a black stripe one to expands from eye towards bill (since if that they had put on charcoal masks to prevent snowfall blindness), distinguishing her or him away from men Willow Ptarmigans. Continue lendo