by Sue Peters, ACA
Conservation Magazine - 2011 Fall/Winter | Return to contents

This hardy grouse lives year-round in Alberta’s Rocky Mountain Natural Region, from Willmore Wilderness Park south to Waterton Lakes National Park. Like all ptarmigans, white-tailed ptarmigans change colours with the seasons, allowing them to thrive in their open, rocky alpine and subalpine meadow habitat. Snowy winters are a seamless match for their white winter plumage, contrasted only by their striking red eye combs and dark bill. They’re further adapted to winter with feathered legs and feet, and a preference for burying themselves in powdery snow for insulation. Summer vegetation and lichen-covered rocks serve as excellent camouflage for their colour change to mottled brown, gray and black plumage. Not surprisingly, the white-tailed ptarmigan can be distinguished from other ptarmigans by their white tail, which they sport year-round. 

When in Alberta’s mountain parks, you may be fortunate enough to see a white-tailed ptarmigan if you venture into their rugged terrain—high up in the alpine during the summer or in the open subalpine forest and willow meadows during the winter. They’re fairly common in their habitat and their numbers fluctuate naturally from year to year, depending on the abundance of willows, their primary winter food. 

In Alberta, the white-tailed ptarmigan is considered Secure, and can be hunted where permitted as per the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations.  

There are 19 species of grouse, including ptarmigan, worldwide. Seven of these species are found in our province.