The Official Alaska State Bird

May 22, 2013

Visit

Select a State

History Historic Figures Information Geography Outdoors Tourism Governors Cities Colleges State Quiz State Links FAST FACTS FREE Wallpaper Fun & Games Tell A Friend Website Map Links of Interest

Home > Alaska > Information > Bird

State of Alaska

Bird

Alaska State Bird

Name: Willow Ptarmigan
Binomial Name: Lagopus lagopus
Adopted: Legislation of 1955

The Willow Ptarmigan or Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus) is a medium-sized bird in the grouse family and is a sedentary species that breeds across northern Eurasia, Alaska and northern Canada in birch and other forests.

The upper portion of the male is brown with a reddish neck and white wings and underside. The female lacks the brown. In winter, both the male and female plumages become completely white with a black tail. They are distinguished from the winter Ptarmigan by their greater size, thicker bill, habitat (not venturing above the treeline), and a lack of black between the eye and bill in the winter male.

View the rest of the State Birds

[Return to top]

Alaska Attractions

Fairbanks Attractions

Anchorage Attractions

Fairbanks Restaurants

Anchorage Restaurants