South-central Alaska to northern New Mexico, North America: Lagopus leucura is the only ptarmigan species found south of Canada. It inhabits a harsh environment, characterized by cold, alpine tundra. During the winter, this species resides along stream banks and in high basins above or near timberline areas where willow (Salix sp.) is abundant.

(Encyclopedia Britannica Online, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 1997)

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )