Ptarmigan | USU Extension Wildlife Rangeland Habitat Lab

USU Extension Rangeland-Wildlife Habitat Lab

Wildlife habitat on rangelands is one of the most pressing conservation issues in western North America. Nearly all western upland gamebird species rely on rangeland habitats. USU Extension's Rangeland-Wildlife Habitat Lab focuses on providing the best available scientific information concerning the assessment of management and conservation practices for these species, especially our native grouse species.

a rock ptarmigan sitting on the tundra

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)

Found across the arctic region and high-elevations of the Northern Hemisphere
Natural habitat is mid-elevation tundra and high elevation treeless areas in Europe
Pair off for breeding, and male aids in rearing of young
Turn white in the winter, but their tail feathers remain black

a willow ptarmigan standing in dead grass

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)

Found across the northern latitudes within the Northern Hemisphere
Natural habitat is lower elevation tundra or heather covered moorlands
Red Grouse are a subspecies that occur on the British Isles and do not change color in the winter
Pair off for breeding with males aiding in rearing of young

a white tailed ptarmigan sitting on moss

White-Tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura)

Found in Utah
Found throughout the highest elevation tundra across the Northern Hemisphere and areas of alpine tundra in the Rocky Mountains
Natural habitat is high mountain/alpine tundra
Smallest bird in the grouse family in North America
Pair off for breeding and the male aids in rearing of young

Quail & Pheasant