Willow ptarmigan by the fact that it is not generally found above the tree line while the rock ptarmigan prefers more elevated, barren habitat. The summer plumage is browner and in the winter, the male willow ptarmigan lacks the rock ptarmigan's black stripe between the eyes and bill. The white-tailed ptarmigan ("Lagopus leucura") in North America is smaller, has a white tail and finely-barred greyer plumage and lives permanently above the tree line. The distinctive British Isles subspecies "L. l. scoticus" (red grouse) was once considered a separate true British species but is now classified as a sub-species. This moorland bird is
Arctic ground squirrel Arctic ground squirrel The Arctic ground squirrel ("Urocitellus parryii") is a species of ground squirrel native to the Arctic. People in Alaska, particularly around the Aleutians, refer to them as "parka" (pronounced "par'kee") squirrels, most likely because their pelt is good for the ruff on parkas and for clothing. Subspecies listed alphabetically. The Arctic ground squirrel has a beige and tan coat with a white-spotted back. This squirrel has a short face, small ears, a dark tail and white markings around its eyes. Arctic ground squirrels undergo a coat change from summer to winter. Summer coats include red/yellow colorations along