Spruce Grouse in the snow

In Alaska, spruce grouse:

Spend most of the daylight in spruce trees, loafing, or feeding on needles.

 

Roost either in a spruce tree, on the snow near its trunk, or in a "snow-roost" beneath the snow surface at night.

 

Grow "snowshoes" on their toes in the fall to support themselves on snow and grip branches.

 

Enlarge their digestive system to process many conifer needles, which are low in protein and tough to digest.

 

Create a sealed dome under the snow to stay warm in inclement conditions.

Done