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Animal profile

Rock Ptarmigan

Lagopus muta

AvesArctic tundra, alpine fellfield and rocky mountain slopesLeast Concern

Field profile

The rock ptarmigan is a stocky arctic and alpine grouse that changes plumage with the seasons, from mottled brown in summer to almost pure white in winter. It feeds on buds, catkins, leaves and berries. Feathered feet allow it to walk on soft snow.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-06-06

Rock Ptarmigan

The ptarmigan grows snowshoes each winter

Rock ptarmigan are the only birds whose toes are feathered right to the claws. In winter the foot feathering thickens, spreading the bird's weight across soft snow and insulating the foot in temperatures well below freezing.

Read with evidence →

Rock Ptarmigan | Daily Animal Facts