white tailed white tailed known snow smallest bird family permanent resident high altitudes tree line native alaska mountainous parts canada western united_states introduced california oregon utah plumage cryptic varies different times year summer gray brown white winter wholly white times year wings belly tail white white tailed diet leaves flowers seeds nest simple depression ground eggs laid hatching chicks soon leave nest eat insects later adult diet mother help find suitable plant food population stable iucn lists species concern description white tailed smallest smallest bird family bird rounded wings square ended tail small black short legs extending toes adults inches long males slightly larger females average weight summer white tailed grayish brown white tail wings fall plumage turned reddish brown color white feathers begin grow winter summer brown feathers lost bird completely white spring breeding season bird returns summer plumage finely barred coloration makes easy distinguish species willow rock sexes maintain white tail wing feathers year males identified reddish eye present year long general bird silent makes quiet low pitched soft noises distribution white tailed alpine species permanent resident high mountains near timber line occupies open country flies great deal forest prefers running flying ranges alaska western canada south northern new_mexico males return areas establish territories spruce willow timber line breeding grounds april females arrive early pairs formed white tailed bird north_america reside permanently alpine zone habitat includes areas rock frost soil winter stays high valleys mountain slopes willow birch spruce snow cover white tailed introduced california oregon utah 1970s native early pleistocene locally extinct climate changes greater snow cover spring breeding season alternatively unable barriers provided low altitudes intervening diet bird diet varies nitrogen rich snow leaves favored spring season willow mountain flowers flowers leaves form majority diet summer fall winter arrive region feeds pine seeds willow twigs winter food sources higher content summer forage relies bacteria aided extract essential nutrients summer eats assist plant material breeding white tailed males usually remain mate breeding season attract females male display tail feathers female builds simple nest ground male acts guard area nest shallow depression snow free area generally protected wind grasses feathers nest generally provides quick escape route clutch consists eggs retain color period develop brown spots nearly ready hatch males remain vicinity nest eggs hatch period days young leave nest hours hatching covered fully fledged seven days chicks begin lives eating insects chicks digestive tracts fully developed shift flowers leaves choose foraging patches plant species containing proteins abundant chicks plants critical growth development chicks suggests food calls assist enhancing survival rates juvenile young birds remain mother summer autumn season adaptations status white tailed ground pioneering book subject coloration animal kingdom american artist wrote bird gradually fact goes far strengthen developed fluid perfect system perennial protective coloration rocky_mountains winter transitional beautiful potent grass pattern species summer plumage pattern achieved light brown marginal bands small internal spots dark feathers upper parts light dark gradually reversed lower breast approached belly entirely white feathers wings tail white tailed feathers located feet serve protection extreme cold experienced alpine environment addition birds feathers nostrils warm air prior entry respiratory tract obvious adaptation bird cryptic coloration enables blend environment avoid predation golden eagles birds prey conserve energy winter months avoids flight possible white tailed listed concern populations slight decline range wide total number birds large fit criteria listed vulnerable bird serves indicator species alpine denotes overall ecosystem health conservation concern abundant alpine zones north_america indicating region undergoing dramatic climatic temperature precipitation shifts lack cattle lack human development alpine zones difficulty remote habitat low occurs laws limits hunting bags allow white tailed thrive taxonomy etymology white tailed given scientific arctic explorer later determined sufficient distinguishing features regarded separate genus bird molecular studies shown rock white tailed sister species position willow clear cut showing genetic divergence wide range genus derived meaning hare foot reference bird legs species long time erroneous belief ending denotes masculine gender ancient greek term feminine gender species agree feminine correct species derived version greek meaning white meaning tail reference bird permanently white tail
White-tailed ptarmigan