Camouflage
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Ptarmigan are an interesting bird to observe in the high mountain tundra - if you can ever spot them.
Lagapus muta rupestris Member of the grouse family
Their summer feathers of mottled grays, browns and white blend in perfectly with their rocky environment. They spend most of their time on the ground, and usually only fly short distances. They make sounds that resemble a chicken. We've never tried eating one but do you think they would "taste like chicken?" Of course, if you pulled off all those feathers and fluffy down, you probably wouldn't have much bird left for a meal anyhow. And we're not suggesting you try! In our high country hiking in recent years, it seems we are encountering more of these well-adapted birds.
If there are any young chicks around, the behavior of the adults resembles that of quail. They will keep leading you away from the young on a ground chase. Though they may allow you to get fairly close, they know just the right amount of distance to keep and if you get too close, off they fly in a flutter.
This one was photographed on Notch Mountain, late July, 2008.