Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) in winter plumage. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada in late October. Photo by Hal BrindleyWillow Ptarmigan

(Lagopus lagopus)

The Willow Ptarmigan turns completely white in winter! During summer it is reddish-brown dappled with little white spots. The same species is known as the Red Grouse in the UK but it never turns white in the winter!

Photo: Willow Ptarmigan in winter plumage. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada in late October.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) in winter plumage. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada in late October. Photo by Hal Brindley
Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) feeding in winter plumage. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada in late October.
Male Willow Ptarmigan in summer plumage. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.
Male Willow Ptarmigan in summer plumage, early August. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.