Rock Ptarmigan
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Rock Ptarmigans build their nests right on the ground in the tundra. We found this fellow near a nest - he was attempting to lead us away from the nest. We saw the female, a dull camouflaged brown, hiding in the willows. The male never flew off - just tried to get us to follow him. When we stopped following, he stopped, and then hopped up on this rock.

This is why the males of so many bird species are the ones with bright or colorful plumage - they can attract a predator while the mom, nest, and eggs remain safe.