The Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) is a medium-sized (16 inch) stocky grouse, chickenlike, with a black tail and bill, the legs and toes are feathered. The male is entirely white in the winter and the female is brown with black bars and spots except for white wings. In the spring and fall the plumages are varied due to the various stages of molting. Both male and female have a red comb over each eye.

These are tundra birds. They frequent thickets of willow and alder, sheltered valleys and foothills.

The nest is a sheltered hollow lined with grass and feathers. There are 6 to 10 yellowish white eggs blotched with brown. The incubation period is about 23 days. Young fledge in 10 to 12 days. There is one brood per season.

This bird is found in the northern tier of North America from Alaska and through northern Canada. It is also found in Eurasia.

Ptarmigans feed on plant material, buds, flowers and insects.

Order: Galliformes | Family: Phasianidae |
Genus: Lagoopus | Species: Lagopus