The White-tailed Ptarmigan, Lagopus leucura, is the smallest bird in the grouse family. It is found in the mountains of western United States, Canada and Alaska.
Adults are 12 to 13 inches long, with males only slightly larger than females. The average weight is 12 to 15 ounces.
The White-tailed Ptarmigan is the smallest of the ptarmigans and is smaller than the Ruffed Grouse. In winter, this bird is pure white except for a black beak and eyes. In summer, it has a mottled and barred brown head, breast, and back with white wings, belly, and tail. |
