Rock Ptarmigan 100 Days From Egg to Survivor Hunted With No Escape

#birds #nature #documentary
From a fragile egg hidden on an exposed alpine tundra, the Rock Ptarmigan begins one of the harshest survival journeys in the bird world. In this video, we follow the complete life cycle of the Rock Ptarmigan — from egg, to chick, to survivor — across 100 days of constant danger.

The Rock Ptarmigan builds a simple ground nest on open tundra, where there is no shelter and no protection. The eggs lie exposed among rocks, snow, and wind. After around 21 days of incubation, the eggs hatch almost simultaneously. Within hours, the chicks can walk, follow their mother, and begin searching for food on their own.

But survival for the Rock Ptarmigan chick is never guaranteed.

During the first days, Rock Ptarmigan chicks must move constantly across the alpine tundra, avoiding predators and fighting against cold winds. The Rock Ptarmigan relies on camouflage — blending perfectly into rocks, snow, and dry vegetation. When danger appears, the chicks freeze. The mother performs distraction displays, risking her life to protect them.