Assessing the Vulnerability of White-tailed Ptarmigan to Climate Change

Ptarmigan researchers fit a tracking device on a ptarmigan hen.

Cameron Aldridge, U.S. Geological Survey & Gregory Wann, Colorado State University

Long-term studies of alpine bird species are rare, but Trail Ridge Road has been the study area for white-tailed ptarmigan research since 1966. This year marked the third field season that U.S. Geological Survey scientists gathered data for a new study. They monitored the life cycle events of ptarmigan and plant food resources to understand how climate shapes the reproductive success of white-tailed ptarmigan hens. This research will provide a clearer picture of why Trail Ridge populations have declined since the 1970's and what could happen to this delicate bird species in upcoming decades.

See Rocky Mountain National Park's website for more information on white-tailed ptarmigan.