How to Spot a White-Tailed Ptarmigan

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Learn about the habitat and range of this alpine bird. They live in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and in parts of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. They can be found in parts of Washington, Montana, Utah, Colorado and California. White-Tailed Ptarmigans live in cold, alpine areas above the tree line. They can often be found in rocky areas, in meadows and on snow fields.
Step 2:
Observe the appearance of the White-Tailed Ptarmigan. This bird has pointed wings and a short, rounded tail. It also has a small, dark, thick bill. Red eye combs may also be seen around the eyes of the White-Tailed Ptarmigan. The body of the White-Tailed Ptarmigan is thick, and its coloring varies with the season. In the winter, the White-Tailed Ptarmigan is completely white, and in the summer, it has gray and brown bars on its body. The White-Tailed Ptarmigan also has feathered toes and legs.
Step 3:
Take note of the White-Tailed Ptarmigan's size. White-Tailed Ptarmigans are medium sized birds, but small relative to other Grouses. They range in size from 12 to 14 inches, and have a wingspan around 17 inches. They weigh 11 to 16 ounces.
Step 4:
Listen to the sounds made by the White-Tailed Ptarmigan. Males make loud, high-pitched clucks and cries that sound similar to "kriii" or "kuk-kuk." Females can be heard making low clucks when they are around their nests and their young.
Step 5:
Pay attention to the White-Tailed Ptarmigan in flight. These birds are strong flyers. They also fly swiftly, but they don't fly for long durations.

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