At maturity, a White Tailed Ptarmigan can weigh between ten ounces and one and a half pounds (350 grams). Their bodies are rather stocky. The tails of White Tailed Ptarmigans are quite short. They are, obviously, white. They have rounded, white, short wings and feathers on their toes. These feathers aid in the White Tailed Ptarmigan's survival in snowy areas. In the winter, the White Tailed Ptarmigan acquires white plumage over its entire body. Warmer months find the White Tailed Ptarmigan adorned in brown marked plumage. The brown coloration shows dark or black stripes. Males have red combs over their eyes, which are used for territorial displays and courtship rituals. The red combs of females are less obvious, and may not be easily seen.
