Rock Ptarmigan
Lagopus muta
The rock ptarmigan is 34–36 cm (13–14 in) long with an 8 cm (3.1 in) tail and with a wingspan of 54–60 cm (21–24 in) and a weight of 440–640 g (15.5–22.6 oz). It is about ten percent smaller than the willow ptarmigan. The rock ptarmigan is camouflaged to match the seasons; its feathers moult from white in winter to grey and brown in spring or summer. The breeding male has greyish upper parts with white wings and underparts. In winter, its plumage becomes completely white except for the black outer tail feathers and eye line.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Willow Ptarmigan
Lagopus lagopus
The willow ptarmigan is a medium to large, ground-dwelling bird and is the most numerous of the three species of ptarmigan. Males and females are about the same size, with the adult length varying between 35 and 44 cm (14 and 17 in) with a wingspan ranging from 60 to 65 cm (24 to 26 in). Its weight is 430 to 810 g (15 to 29 oz). It is deep-chested and has a fairly long neck, a broad bill, short, feathered legs, and a moderately short, rounded tail. In the summer, the male's plumage is marbled brown, with a reddish hue to the neck and breast, a black tail, and white wings and underparts.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Where you might meet both
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Play today's Daily BirdPhotos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Rock Ptarmigan and Willow Ptarmigan.