Ptarmigans: flightless birds?
Ptarmigans are small birds in the grouse family of birds. Their scientific name is Lagopus and they can be found mostly in cold tundra regions, specifically, in the far north of the North American continent. The genus name Lagopus comes from a combination of two ancient Greek words: Lagos meaning ‘hare’ and pous meaning ‘foot’. This name is in reference to their feathered ankles and feet, resembling those of a rabbit or hare. These feathered feet are designed to keep them warm in their extremely cold environment. The feathers also give them better traction for walking on the snow that falls every winter in the tundra. There are three species of ptarmigan; the rock ptarmigan, the white-tailed ptarmigan, and the willow ptarmigan. These birds have several nicknames throughout the regions in which they make their homes. They are called “croakers” in Gaelic which refers to the “croaking” sound that the male makes as his mating call. In Japan they are known as “thunder-birds” and are protected against hunting and poaching. In the US they are known as the “snow chicken” which gives us an idea of their habitat and behavioral characteristics.
Technically speaking, ptarmigan can fly. They do possess the mechanics necessary for flight. However, flying costs them a lot of energy and when this small bird is doing everything it can to keep warm on the subarctic tundra, energy is a treasured resource.
They have developed an interesting trait to help them avoid predators and stay hidden. In the winter, their feathers turn white to hide against the stark white backdrop of snow. After the snows melt, they molt and their feathers become patchy, with browns and grays, to better help them hide amid the shrubs and brush that make up the vegetation of the tundra.
