I got confused for a few seconds, since I had no idea that ptarmigan had the red color "eye shadow"
I have seen the red color on some of the local grouse around Fairbanks, Alaska, but not on ptarmigan. Anyway, we do have lots of Spruce and Ruffed grouse in the interior of Alaska. Spruce grouse taste somewhat similar to ptarmigan (sort to liver-like), but ruffed grouse has a white meat that is quite delicious.
