Find the Ptarmigan

The Willow Ptarmigan (the "P" is silent) was selected, by Alaskan school children, as the official state bird. This happened just before Alaska became a state in 1959. The ptarmigan is protected by its effective camouflage. It always matches its habitat. In the winter, it is completely white. The rest of the year, it is the color of the shrubs and tundra.

©Photo by Bruce D. Anderson

The picture used on this page is COPYRIGHTED.