In winter sunshine, shadows cast on the snow reveal the Ptarmigans' location at greater distance than the birds can be seen. On overcast days the black stripe thru eye, and perhaps dark tail feathers, are all which indicate their position. In every season they are fully aware of their protective dress and will remain motionless until almost trodden upon.
In breeding and habits this and the following subspecies do not differ materially from the Willow Ptarmigan.
Arctic regions, from Melville Island to Melville Peninsula, south over Barren Grounds to southern Mackenzie and Ungava.
Northern Ungava, western Cumberland Sound and Greenland.
Unalaska, Akutan and Unimak islands, Aleutian Islands.