Collection: Willow Ptarmigan - Summer

In summer, the willow ptarmigan ( Lagopus lagopus ) sports brown and cream plumage that provides effective camouflage among the shrubs and low bushes of the Quebec tundra. This species nests on the ground, laying its eggs in the shelter of dwarf willows. Its summer diet consists of leaves, berries, flowers, and insects. Highly sedentary, the willow ptarmigan remains faithful to its territory. It is a key prey for several Arctic predators such as the Arctic fox and the snowy owl. Its presence is a valuable indicator of biodiversity in tundra ecosystems. Summer is an active period: raising young, foraging, and protecting the nest. Observing this discreet bird in its natural environment is a typically northern experience, revealing the richness and complexity of the summer fauna of Arctic Quebec.