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The willow ptarmigan is Alaska’s state bird and one of three ptarmigan species. Both males and females change their appearance with the seasons and have different eating habits. They build nests in sheltered areas and both genders participate in egg care. They are the most abundant ptarmigan subspecies in Alaska.
The willow ptarmigan, a grouse, is the state bird of Alaska. It lives in arctic areas and is one of three species of ptarmigan. Although males and females have different markings and colorations, both sexes alter their appearance slightly with the season to blend into their environment. Their eating habits also change according to the season. Both the male and female play important roles in egg care.
In 1955, the willow ptarmigan, also known as Lagopus lagopus, was named the state bird of Alaska. They live in arctic areas of Alaska and Canada, especially in valleys and heavily vegetated areas, but migrate south for the winter. Although there are two other subspecies of ptarmigan – the winter ptarmigan and the white-tailed ptarmigan – the ptarmigan is the most common.
Alaska’s state bird actually looks like a chicken. The rock ptarmigan has a relatively short tail, stocky body, feathered legs and toes, and measures about 15 cm (6 in). In summer, the male is reddish brown, but has a white belly and wings. The female is darker in color than the male and is more mottled. They go through moulting in the spring and fall, and in the winter, they are completely white except for a few black tail feathers.
As with their physical appearance, their eating habits change in summer and winter. During the summer they feed mainly on insects, leaves, berries, flowers and buds. In winter, they mainly eat the shoots of alder and willow.
When building its nest, ptarmigan seek out a sheltered area surrounded by large rocks, logs, and plants. The nest is in a dug area of the ground that is lined with feathers, grass, and other vegetation. The female lays seven to ten eggs, which she incubates for about three weeks. While sitting on the eggs, the male protects the nesting areas from predators, especially foxes, owls and hawks. It is thought to be the only grouse subspecies in the world that actively participates in egg care.
The willow ptarmigan is believed to have become the state bird of Alaska due to its frequency in the state. They are also notable for being the most abundant and largest of the three ptarmigan subspecies in the area. During the spring, they are sometimes seen in flocks containing a thousand or more birds.
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