The Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) is a medium-sized grouse found across the far northern regions from Scandinavia and Scotland to Siberia, Alaska, and Canada. It favours open tundra, moorland, and shrubby willow or birch scrub habitat. The Willow Ptarmigan is closely related to the Red Grouse of the British Isles, which is sometimes classified as a subspecies of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) rather than a separate species.

Willow Ptarmigan calls have gone viral on TikTok and other platforms where the bird has since picked up the nickname the ‘awebo’ bird.

What does a Willow Ptarmigan sound like? The Willow Ptarmigan has a varied vocal repertoire, most famous for the male’s loud, barking “go-back, go-back, go-back” territorial call and laughing cackle. Other calls include a range of croaking, growling, and belching notes given from the ground, particularly during confrontations with rival males. Females are quieter but give soft clucking calls to keep in contact with their chicks, while both sexes may produce sharp, barking calls when alarmed.