The ptarmigan, closely related to the red grouse, the numerous sub-species of ptarmigan, or rock ptarmigan. Ptarmigan are widely found in northen lands such as Scandinavia, Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Canada and Alaska. The very simular white-tailed ptarmigan is also found in north America though with a more limited range. In Britain, the ptarmigan is only found in the scotish highlands, rarely found below 2000ft. The ptarmigan lives in a harsh world with little human interference across much of its range. However, in scotland, overgrazing by sheep is destroying their limited habitat and causing some decline.
The ptarmigan is found in higher altitudes than most red grouse. Ptarmigan are identified by the amount of white in their plumage and, close to a more delicate bill. The wing-feathers and under parts remain white throughout the year, during which, they undergo three moults. A mottled brown plumage in summer turns to ashy grey-brown in autumn with more extensive white underparts and variable amounts of white flecking on the face and upper parts.
Ptarmigans habitat, high in the mountains, consists of short vegetation and rocks and they only desert it in favour of lower and more sheltered corries in very hard weather. The rocks, an important feature of this bleak and barren landscape, are used to hide from predators and to shelter behind at night. Heather blaeberry and crowberry are there favourite foods.
Most commonly, cocks begin taking territories in march, though this is largely dependant on spring weather. Cocks display in their white winter plumage, moulting shortly after mating but the hens require camouflage for nesting , moult earlier. Ptarmigan, in Scotland, are usually monogamous and the hen nests within the territory which breaks down about may.
Ptarmigan shooting is extremely hard work and, even where the tops are relatively flat, it is still necessary to get above 2000ft in order to find them. The rocky nature of the terrain rarely allows comfortable shooting stance. Ptarmigan are very, occasionally, driven. Flushed birds may fly straight off the mountainside but some will loyally stick to one hill, flying down and looping back up to pitch at the same level, some distance ahead, But it is sometimes possible to work them towards the guns |
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