The white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura) is a bird in the grouse family that lives exclusively in alpine regions of western North America. They are found in high elevation habitats above timberline, ranging from southern British Columbia and Alberta to New Mexico. White-tailed ptarmigan are well-adapted to survive the harsh conditions of their alpine environment. This article will provide an overview of the geographic range and habitat of the white-tailed ptarmigan.
Geographic Range
The white-tailed ptarmigan has a fairly limited geographic distribution, confined to alpine areas of western North America. Their range extends from southern British Columbia and Alberta in Canada south through the Rocky Mountains to northern New Mexico in the United States. They occur in parts of the following states and provinces:
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Colorado
- Utah
- New Mexico
Within this broad geographic range, white-tailed ptarmigan occur locally in isolated alpine habitats like mountaintops and high valleys. They are generally found at elevations above 10,000 feet in the northern part of their range and above 12,000 feet farther south. The highest densities occur in the southern Canadian Rockies and the central Rocky Mountains of the western United States.
Distribution in the United States
In the United States, white-tailed ptarmigan are found along the Rocky Mountains from northern New Mexico northward through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. The largest populations occur in Colorado in the mountains west of Denver and in north-central Colorado near Rocky Mountain National Park. Other significant populations are found in Wyoming in the mountain ranges near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Scattered populations occur at high elevations in mountain ranges in Idaho, Utah, and New Mexico.
Distribution in Canada
In Canada, white-tailed ptarmigan range from southern British Columbia to southwestern Alberta in the Rocky Mountains. The highest densities are found in Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta. They occur through the various mountain ranges that make up the Canadian Rockies including parts of the Columbia Mountains, Cariboo Mountains, and Alberta Rocky Mountains. The northern limit of their range is approximately Jasper, Alberta.
Habitat
White-tailed ptarmigan are specialists of high elevation alpine habitats in western North America. They are well-adapted to the harsh conditions found above treeline. Their habitat can be summarized as follows:
Elevation
White-tailed ptarmigan occupy elevations above 10,000 feet throughout most of their range. In the southern Rockies their elevational range may start as high as 12,000 feet. They have been recorded up to elevations of over 14,000 feet. They tend to occupy higher elevations in the southern extent of their range.
Vegetation
Vegetation in white-tailed ptarmigan habitat is characterized by low-growing alpine tundra plants. Their habitat lacks trees and is dominated by low shrubs, grasses, sedges, forbs, mosses, and lichens. Vegetation grows close to the ground and has minimal vertical structure due to the harsh winds of high elevations. Common plant species include willow, avens, mountain heather, and grasses like tufted hairgrass and fescue.
Landscape
Alpine tundra landscapes favored by white-tailed ptarmigan tend to be rocky and uneven. They may use mountain slopes, ridgelines, plateaus, cirque basins, and stream or river valleys. Prominent rocky features on the landscape include talus slopes, cliffs, and boulder fields. The terrain provides plenty of nooks and crannies where birds can find shelter from severe weather and predators.
Climate
The alpine climate where white-tailed ptarmigan live is characterized by cool temperatures, strong winds, and a short growing season. Precipitation is moderate, falling mainly as snow. Snow cover is present for 9 or more months a year. Summers are brief with average temperatures around 50-60°F during the day and below freezing at night. Strong ultraviolet radiation and dramatic daily temperature swings are typical.
Distribution Maps
The following maps help visualize the distribution of white-tailed ptarmigan in western North America:
Range Map
This map shows the geographic range boundaries for white-tailed ptarmigan in western North America. They occur primarily in the mountainous regions of British Columbia, Alberta, and from the Rocky Mountains south to New Mexico.
Elevation Map
This elevation map shows that white-tailed ptarmigan occupy high mountain elevations above 10,000 feet through most of their range. The highest densities are found between 11,000-13,000 feet.
Vegetation Map
This map displays the alpine tundra vegetation found in habitats used by white-tailed ptarmigan. Low shrubs, grasses, and forbs predominate.
Population Estimates
Researchers estimate the total population of white-tailed ptarmigan to be between 140,000 – 170,000 individuals. Their numbers follow typical boom-and-bust cycles common in grouse species. Estimated populations in different parts of their range are:
Location | Estimated Population |
---|---|
Southern Canadian Rockies | 50,000 – 75,000 |
Northern U.S. Rockies | 40,000 – 50,000 |
Central Colorado | 20,000 – 30,000 |
Southern Rockies (NM) | 10,000 – 15,000 |
The largest populations are believed to occur in the southern Canadian Rockies. However, these alpine species are difficult to survey over their vast geographic ranges, so population estimates have high uncertainty.
Threats and Conservation
White-tailed ptarmigan populations currently appear stable and the species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, they do face some threats from human disturbance, habitat degradation, and climate change:
Climate Change
As alpine specialists, white-tailed ptarmigan are vulnerable to warming temperatures that could enable tree lines to advance upward and reduce available habitat. Models predict climate change could reduce suitable habitat by 30-60% by 2080.
Development
Development of ski areas and increased recreational activities in alpine zones may disturb ptarmigan breeding areas and habitat.
Overgrazing
Localized overgrazing by elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep can degrade fragile alpine vegetation and cause erosion.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in some parts of their range but likely has minimal impact on overall populations.
Conservation planning aims to protect extensive areas of intact, undisturbed alpine habitat over elevation gradients. Continued monitoring will be important to track the impacts of climate change and habitat alteration on ptarmigan populations into the future.
Conclusion
In summary, white-tailed ptarmigan occupy remote alpine habitats above treeline in western North American mountains. Their range extends from British Columbia to New Mexico. They are well-adapted to survive the extreme conditions found in their high elevation tundra environments. Ptarmigan populations appear currently stable but face threats from climate change and habitat degradation in the future. Protection of alpine ecosystems will be important for conservation of this unique alpine species.