Description

Willow Ptarmigan displaying, Churchill, Manitoba

There is a large difference between moult from winter to summer in willow Ptarmigan. Cocks moult their heads first, leaving an all white body for a month or more. Hens moult their whole bodies rapidly. The hen being wooed by this handsome cock was already in full summer plumage. Unlike most game birds, willow ptarmigan males help defend and raise their offspring.