The
rock ptarmigan (
Lagopus muta) is a medium-sized
gamebird in the
grouse family. Averaging 34–36 cm (13–14 in) long, with a wingspan of 54–60 cm (21–24 in), this species feeds primarily on
birch and
willow buds and
catkins. The rock ptarmigan breeds across arctic and subarctic Eurasia and North America and commonly has up to six chicks.
Photo: Daiskue Tashiro