Photo: Ptarmigan

A ptarmigan with its white plumage which helps the bird to blend into its winter surroundings in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.

The Willow Ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus, is found in cold arctic regions or tundra areas. The Ptarmigan pictured here was in Churchill, Mantiba in Canada. The white plumage is acquired for the winter months while during the summer these birds are adorned in a brown plumage which has dark brown or black stripes. The colour changes are to aid with camouflage allowing them to blend in to their surroundings.