A willow ptarmigan perched among bare willow branches and dried grasses, displaying mixed seasonal plumage. The bird's head, neck, and upper body are rich reddish-brown, while its lower body and wings remain predominantly white with brown mottling. Its distinctive bright red comb stands out prominently above its eye against white facial feathers. The background shows muted tones of late winter/early spring vegetation in Denali National Park, Alaska.