Â鶹ԼÅÄ

As the snow starts to melt and strip away from the boulder strewn landscape, the ptarmigan too looks like a boulder with the occasional snow patch. Their camouflage continues into the spring as they moult to fit in with their surroundings. If the birds keep still they are very difficult to see, but in the early part of spring, the males make a show of themselves, trying to attract the attentions of the females. The males have a red comb above their eyes, which they engorge with blood and raise when they think they might be able to attract a female. The males will also do a jump fluttering flight, heading off the females that come into their territory. Eventually the female has to concede to her mate. As the snow continues to melt the ptarmigans’ plumage also continues to change to allow them to blend in perfectly. Only the bright red comb is the give away.