The rock ptarmigan is a medium-sized game bird in the grouse family. It is known simply as the ptarmigan in Europe. It is the official bird for the Canadian territory of Nunavut, where it is known as the aqiggiq (ᐊᕿᒡᒋᖅ), and the official game bird for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. In Japan, it is known as the raichō (雷鳥), which means "thunder bird". It is the official bird of Gifu, Nagano, and Toyama Prefectures and is a protected species nationwide. Unlike many arctic bird species, ptarmigan do not gain substantial mass to hibernate over winter.
Region
Arctic and subarctic Northern Hemisphere
Typical Environment
Occupies Arctic tundra, alpine heaths, and rocky slopes with dwarf shrubs, lichens, and sedges. In winter it often moves to slightly lower, more sheltered areas with willow or birch scrub. Found across North America from Alaska to Newfoundland, and across Eurasia from Iceland and Scandinavia through Siberia, with isolated alpine populations in the British Isles, Alps, and Japan. Prefers open, stony terrain where cryptic plumage provides excellent camouflage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Rock ptarmigan molt seasonally, turning mottled brown in summer and nearly all white in winter, with a contrasting black tail year-round. Their feet are densely feathered, acting like natural snowshoes. They are the official bird of Nunavut and known as raichō in Japan, where they are protected.
Lagopus muta pyrenaica – MHNT
pair in spring plumage in Norway
Temperament
wary and cryptic; seasonally social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fast flights and brief glides
Social Behavior
Monogamous during the breeding season, with males defending territories and females nesting on the ground in concealed scrapes. After breeding, birds form family groups and winter coveys that can number a dozen or more. They roost in snow burrows during harsh weather for insulation.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Males give harsh, croaking cackles and rattling grunts during display flights and on territory. Contact calls are softer clucks and chuckles, especially between mates and brood.
