Willow grouse and rock ptarmigan, birds of life
 

The other four are the gyrfalcon, raven, Siberian tit and willow tit. The willow grouse is a bird of alpine birch forests.


Photo: Pirkka Aalto

The rock ptarmigan is the year-round inhabitant of our highest fell summits (only around 3,000 couples). In its summertime plumage, the willow grouse not only differs from its close relative the rock ptarmigan by its large size, but also its bigger beak and reddish brown plumage (the rock ptarmigan is more grey in colour).



Photo: Pirkka Aalto

In their winter coats, the rock ptarmigan and willow grouse are white, apart from their black tail feathers. The rock ptarmigan cock also has so–called reins, a black stripe between the eye and beak.



Photo: Pirkka Aalto

The willow grouse that appears on the Enontekiö coat of arms symbolises the importance of the willow grouse for municipal residents over the past decades, being a very important supplementary food, literally the bird of life.