Rock Ptarmigan

 

Location - The rock ptarmigan can be found in many areas in the north of the Arctic Circle, including countries such as Russia and Sweden.

 

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.        

 

Adaptions

Rock ptarmigans may malt several times a year and will change colours when it does so.  During the summer months, they will have a spotted brown colour. To fit in with the tundra background.

In the winter both sexes shed their brown feathers for an almost pure white coat. 

The legs of these birds are completely feathered to help keep them warm and help them walk on the snow. These birds can commence a full upward flight from a seating position.

The black stripe diagonally from the eyes, act as a goggle for these birds and prevent them from snow blindness, by minimizing the impacts of sun's reflection on the snow.

These birds can burrow themselves in the snow to avoid the cold winters and their predators.

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