The willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) is a bird in the grouse subfamily Tetraoninae of the pheasant family Phasianidae. It is also known as the willow grouse and in Ireland and Britain, where the subspecies L. l. scotica was previously considered to be a separate species, as the red grouse. During the breeding season, Willow Ptarmigan inhabit subarctic and subalpine habitats where there is abundant shrubby vegetation, usually places below 6,000 feet elevation. At this season, they favor flat, moist areas as opposed to steep, dry slopes. Willow Ptarmigan have a simple diet of plant matter, primarily flower buds, catkins, leaves, twigs, berries, and seeds. In summer, they also eat whatever insects are available, both from the ground and low vegetation. Males are highly vocal during courtship and territorial defense, when they often deliver what some refer to as “flight song,” a rollicking, guttural series of clucks. Willow Ptarmigan are very vocal during the nesting season and have a remarkable repertoire of call types, many of which sound comical, even humanlike. Both male and female produce a series of nasal clucks and growls in many contexts, ranging from contact with mates, conflict with rivals, or the presence of predators. Still other calls sound like a scream, hiss, purr, or peep. Displaying males audibly snap their tail feathers into a fan and drag their wingtips noisily over the ground. Here is a link so you can listen to this silly little bird too.