Lagopus
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 Willow Ptarmigan (L. lagopus)
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L. mutus |
Lagopus is a small genus of birds in the grouse family. It comprises three species:
- Willow Grouse (Willow Ptarmigan in North America), Lagopus lagopus
- Ptarmigan (Rock Ptarmigan in North America), Lagopus mutus
- White-tailed Ptarmigan, Lagopus leucurus
The distinctive British form of Willow Grouse, the Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) has sometimes been considered a separate species, L. scoticus, but this is no longer accepted.
The three species are all specialists of cold regions. Willow Grouse is a circumpolar boreal forest species, White-tailed Ptarmigan is an North American alpine bird, and Ptarmigan breeds in both arctic and mountain habitats across Eurasia and North America. They are sedentary species, all, with the exception of the Red Grouse, having a white winter plumage that helps them blend into the snowy background
These are hardy vegetarian birds, but insects are also taken by the developing young. In all species except for the Willow Grouse, the female takes all responsibility for nesting and caring for the chicks, as is typical with gamebirds.
The genus name Lagopus (from the Greek for "hare" and "foot") refers to the feathered feet and toes typical of this cold-adapted group.
[edit] Gallery
 Willow Ptarmigan |
 Willow Grouse |
 White-tailed Ptarmigan |
[edit] References
- Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse by Madge and McGowan, ISBN 0-7136-3966-0
