Alaska State Bird

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Alaska State Bird: Willow ptarmigan

Scientific Name: Lagopus lagopus

State Bird Description: The willow ptarmigan is a bird in the grouse subfamily and often referred to as a willow grouse. The willow ptarmigan is a medium to large ground bird. Males and females are about the same size, with the male's plumage is marbled brown, with a reddish neck and breast, a black tail and white wings and underparts. The female is similar to the male in appearance but lacks the wattles and has brown feathers scattered among the white feathers on the belly.

Where It's Found: The Willow Ptarmigan is found in the forests and moorlands in northern Europe, the tundra of Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska and northern Canada, and in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Alaska State Bird Dedication: 1955