PTARMIGAN

White-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura) live in alpine habitats in western North America. Two of the five recognized subspecies are found in Washington, primarily in the Cascades.

Ptarmigan live year-round at the highest elevations of all the grouse species. They are particularly well adapted to harsh environments that are cold, snowy, and windy.  In winter, birds are completely white with extensively feathered feet that act as ‘snowshoes’.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/research/projects/grouse/white-tailed_ptarmigan/

ENDANGERED STATUS

Populations of the grouse-like bird are currently stable, but are predicted to be lost from the contiguous United States in the face of warming temperatures.

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2012/white-tailed-ptarmigan-06-04-2012.html