Breeding
The White-tailed Ptarmigan nests in shallow depressions in snow-free areas. These areas, generally protected from wind, are softened with grasses and a few feathers. One side of the nest is generally left open as an escape route.
Males are usually monogamous and remain with the same mate for one breeding season. To attract females, a male will strut and display his tail feathers. The female builds a simple scrape nest on the ground, while the male acts as a sentry to guard the nest.
A clutch consists of 2-8 eggs, which retain a cinnamon color for most of the gestational period, but develop brown spots just prior to hatching. http://www.pbase.com/image/126655318 The precocial young leave the nest 6 to 12 hours after hatching. Males remain with the females until the eggs hatch, which spans the incubation period of about 23 days. Juvenile ptarmigans remain with the mother through the autumn season.
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