Southern ptarmigan (SciiFii)

The southern ptarmigan (Lagopus americanus), also known as the American red grouse, is a species of bird of the grouse family, most closely related to the willow ptarmigan, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and warm mountainous habitats across North America to help boost biodiversity. The southern ptarmigan is differentiated from the willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan by its plumage being reddish brown, and not having a white winter plumage. The tail is black and the legs are white. There are white stripes on the underwing and red combs over the eye. Females are less reddish than the males and have less conspicuous combs. Young birds are duller and lack the red combs. It is identified by its 'chut!chut!chut!chut!chut!chuttt....' call, the 'Goback, goback, goback' vocalisation, or a rasping "ah-AAH-ah-AAAAH-a-a-a-a-a-a!". The wings make a whirring sound when the bird is disturbed from a resting place. The southern ptarmigan is primarily herbivorous and feeds mainly on the shoots, seeds and flowers of heather. It will also feed on berries, cereal crops and sometimes insects. The southern ptarmigans begin to form pairs during the autumn and males become increasingly territorial as winter progresses. The nest is a shallow scrape up to 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) across which is lined with vegetation. About six to nine eggs are laid, mainly during April and May. They are oval, glossy and pale yellow with dark brown blotches. The eggs are incubated for 19 to 25 days, the chicks can fly after 12 to 13 days after hatching and are fully grown after 30 to 35 days. The conservation status of the southern ptarmigan is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the southern ptarmigan's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.