Located
The rock ptarmigan is circumpolar and can be found in
many areas north of the Arctic Circle, including countries
such as Russia, Sweden, Canada, Iceland and
Greenland. In some instances they may be found further
south in places like Japan.
Diet
Adult ptarmigans will feed on leaves, flowers, berries,
buds, twigs and other types of vegetation. Young
ptarmigan chicks will also be fed insects in addition to
vegetation.
Habitat
Rock ptarmigans can often be found in elevated, rocky,
sloped areas of the tundra. Females and chicks may
prefer areas with brush to protect them from predators,
while males may prefer open, barren areas to assist
them in locating predators and other ptarmigans.
Size and Description
Rock ptarmigans measure between 12 - 16 inches in
length. The Rock ptarmigans may molt several times a
year and will change colors when it does so. During the
summer months, they will have a spotted brown color
with males shedding their white winter plumage later than
females. This allows the males to be spotted by females
easily against the brown tundra, but also allows them to
be seen by predators. Females are extremely difficult to
spot in the summer, even from close distances. In the
winter both sexes shed their brown plumage for an
almost pure white coat. Males have a red comb over
their eyes.
Reproduction
Females will lay between 6 - 10 eggs and will then
incubate them for about 3 weeks. The male will leave the
female, eggs and nest at some point during the
incubation period, and the female will complete the
raising of the chicks on her own. The chicks will acquire
feathers, also known as fledging, in about 10 - 12
days.
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