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Svalbard rock ptarmigans: Difference in male (closest) and female birds. Photo: Silje-Kristin Jensen / Norwegian Polar Institute
Locations for monitoring Svalbard rock ptarmigans.
Map: Norwegian Polar Institute
Our study area is approximately 1000km2 and is located on Nordenskiöld Land and Sabine Land in Adventdalen with side valleys De Geerdalen, Eskerdalen and Sassendalen. By using the point transect sampling design methodology we survey calling territorial males at approximately 145 fixed points in the terrain (see map) that we visit three times between 1st and 30th of April. From the survey points we record the number of males that we see and/or hear, then we measure the radial distance from the observer to the male seen on the ground by using distance binoculars.
A sure sign of spring for people living in Svalbard is the flocks of migrating Svalbard rock ptarmigan that can be seen around Longyearbyen during March. It is the rock ptarmigan males returning from wintering grounds to breeding areas, while the female ptarmigan arrives a bit later. The Svalbard rock ptarmigan uses separate habitats during winter and breeding season.
Shortly after arrival at the breeding grounds the males establish a territory. A territory is a stationary area that one male actively defends against other males by showing territorial behavior. The cocks show territorial display by postures, by showing the red comb over the eye, and by calls (the characteristic “AARR-aa-ka-ka”). The males also show off by lifting their tail feathers and making calls in aerial chases (up to 70–80 metres above the ground). Direct and aggressive fights do occur between two or more adult male ptarmigans. Territories are slightly larger than a football field and can start from the valley bottom and extend up the hillside.