User:Jbrian7/Willow ptarmigan

Cold Adaptations

The Willow Ptarmigan possess large pectoral muscles that aid in the process of shivering, contributing to keeping the Ptarmigan willow warm. However, these large pectoral muscles are not a product of the cold environment, rather a part of the physiology of the bird. As such, Willow ptarmigan have thick plumage, which aid in thermoregulation while the bird is nesting within the snow.