ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors focus on the Tetraoninae, a group studied extensively in both habitats. Arctic and alpine birds are of special interest in determining how ecological energetics might shape life-histories. The Tetroninae appear superbly adapted for survival and reproduction in arctic and alpine environments, despite the low quality forage available to them. Arctic and alpine grouse have developed a number of physiological, behavioral and morphological adaptations for energy conservation that allow them to successfully inhabit these extreme environments. The authors discuss morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations of arctic and alpine grouse that foster reduction of energetic costs. Differential energetic costs may explain some of the life history differences they observed between arctic and alpine ptarmigan. The authors aim to compare the life histories of two congeneric species: willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) at high latitude and whitetailed ptarmigan (L. leucurus) at high altitude.
