Last updated: September 16, 2024
Thing to Do
White-Tailed Ptarmigan
NPS photo.
Lagopus leucurus
The white-tailed ptarmigan is a medium to large chicken-like member of the grouse family. They are completely white in winter and barred grayish-brown in summer with white wings and tails and feathered feet. Breeding males will have a broad band of black markings across the chest and have red eye combs. Like chickens, they make clucking noises.
The white-tailed ptarmigan is a medium to large chicken-like member of the grouse family. They are completely white in winter and barred grayish-brown in summer with white wings and tails and feathered feet. Breeding males will have a broad band of black markings across the chest and have red eye combs. Like chickens, they make clucking noises.
Details
Activity
Birdwatching
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Alpine areas
White-tailed ptarmigan can be found in alpine areas at or above treeline such as rocky areas, krummholz, snowfields, and meadows. Scanning the meadows with binoculars from Logan Pass boardwalk is probably the most efficient way to spot a ptarmigan.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.