Rock ptarmigan

Scientific name: Lagopus muta

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Smaller than the willow grouse; in winter white with a black tail, and the male has a black lore stripe from eye to bill. Summer plumage is greyish-brown mottled (greyer than the willow grouse's rufous). The male has a red comb, and the sexes differ.

Size and weight

350–600 g, 34–36 cm.

Habitat

Lives on high mountain and arctic tundra above the willow zone, on barren rocky ridges, boulder fields and sparse dwarf vegetation. Occurs higher and in harsher ground than the willow grouse.

Distribution

Circumpolar arctic-alpine; the Scandinavian high mountains, the Alps (isolated), Iceland and the arctic. Keeps to barren fell above the tree and scrub line.

Diet

Buds, catkins, shoots, leaves and berries; in winter dwarf shrubs and buds on wind-blown ridges swept clear of snow. Chicks take insects.

Behaviour

A hardy bird, resident on high ground, that relies on camouflage and sits tight. Forms small flocks in winter and walks among the rocks.

Hunting tips

Hunt the open high fell above the willow line, glassing rocky ground where the bird's outline gives it away against snow-free patches. They crouch and rely on camouflage, flushing at close range with a low croaking rattle. Look for droppings and tracks around boulders and wind-scoured ridges where they feed.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 9 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.