White-tailed Ptarmigan
Lagopus leucura
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<birdfyi-bird slug="lagopus-leucura"></birdfyi-bird>The White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae (pheasants & partridges), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 34.6 cm and a weight of 361.8 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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À propos
The smallest ptarmigan (~360 g) of family Phasianidae; the only ptarmigan with a white tail year-round. Inhabits alpine tundra and rocky slopes above treeline in the Rocky Mountains from Alaska to New Mexico. Plumage turns all-white in winter for camouflage. Feeds on willows, sedges, and berries. Least Concern; well adapted to extreme mountain environments but vulnerable to climate warming.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 34,6 cm | 13.6 in |
| Poids | 361,8 g | 12.76 oz |
Habitat & Range
Répartition géographique
Breeds in alpine tundra from Alaska south through the Rockies to New Mexico. Largely resident, descending to lower elevations in winter.
Diet & Feeding
Eats alpine willow and heather buds and leaves; switches to berries and insects in summer. Digs through snow for winter forage.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 22-23 days.
Taille de la couvée
2-9
Son
Chant
Soft, chicken-like clucking 'ko-ko-ko'; quiet relative to other ptarmigan. Alarm is a sharp 'kek' series. Males give low, croaking calls on alpine tundra at dawn. Flock contact is muted burbling.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Famille | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Lagopus |
| Espèces | Lagopus leucura |
Distribution
White-tailed Ptarmigan has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the White-tailed Ptarmigan eat?
Where does the White-tailed Ptarmigan live?
Is the White-tailed Ptarmigan endangered?
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What does the White-tailed Ptarmigan sound like?
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What order and family does the White-tailed Ptarmigan belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family