Diana Hérens - The ptarmigan

THE ROCK PTARMIGAN IS A DISCREET INHABITANT OF THE ALPINE REGIONS OF THE VALAIS.

The feathers on its feet protect it from the cold in winter. Its claws are also covered in feathers, making it much easier to get around in the snow. Thanks to these snowshoes, its energy consumption is significantly reduced.

The rooster (male) differs from the hen (female) only in the black features between the eyes and the beak. In winter, both sexes are white, making them perfectly camouflaged on the snow. In summer, the rooster's plumage is mottled gray, while the hen's is golden-brown and mottled. Only the wings remain largely white throughout the year.

(TOO) PERFECTLY ADAPTED?

The rock ptarmigan is perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions and cold of the Alps. High temperatures, on the other hand, are much less suitable. At 15°C, it's already too hot for these birds, which start panting to actively evacuate heat. In addition to the physiological consequences of global warming, it is also leading to lasting changes in vegetation and thus to the degradation of the ptarmigan's ideal habitat.

DISTRIBUTION, NUMBERS AND POPULATION DYNAMICS

The number of pairs in the Valais population is currently estimated at 3,200. As with the black grouse, weather conditions lead to annual fluctuations in numbers at the start of the nesting season. As is often the case, the decline in numbers is due to multiple causes and, on a small scale, different combinations of negative factors need to be taken into account. In addition to habitat loss, disturbance is undoubtedly one of the key factors. As a species sensitive to disturbance and with limited resources, the rock ptarmigan is in urgent need of protection from human disturbance.
©SCPF/SW

DID YOU KNOW?

The color of the ptarmigan's plumage changes with the seasons so that it blends in with its environment: this is known as mimicry.