“Not simply another field guide, The Grouse and Ptarmigan of Alaska offers an amazing amount of information about these incredible birds.” is the claim made by the Alaska Department of Fish (ADF&G) and Game and the Ruffed Grouse Society. In this case, the statement is certainly true for bird watchers in Alaska interested in these birds.
This publication represents a joint, collaborative effort by a number of organizations to update and reprint the well regarded Upland Game Birds of Forest and Tundra written by Robert Weeden and Laurence Ellison, first printed by ADF&G in 1968.
The text introduces you to the grouse and ptarmigan that live in Alaska. It goes on to describe the role of these birds in the ecosystem and the information will interest others beyond the hunters that pursue them. Naturalists, photographers and bird watchers all enjoy observing these animals.
This field guide provides information on habitat, identification, behavior, and location of seven species of Ptarmigan and Grouse:
- Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
- Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus)
- White-Tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus)
- Blue Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
- Spruce Grouse (Falcipennis Canadensis)
- Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
- Sharp-Tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus)
Other information provide in the field book describes the bird’s molting, feet, dropping and digestive systems. Graphics included cover important plant foods, identification of Ptarmigan in flight and bird recognition.
Copies of Grouse and Ptarmigan of Alaska: A guide to their identification, habits and habitat are available from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as PDF download. Another great resource on grouse comes in the ADF&G Wildlife Notebook series.
Copyright – 2013 by Alan Sorum.