©Tom Marshall
©Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
©Margaret Holland
©Stuart Anthony
Ptarmigan
The ptarmigan is a master of disguise - matching its Highland surroundings perfectly by turning snow-white in winter and rock-grey in summer. It is confined to the mountains of Scotland, so is difficult to spot.
Scientific name
Lagopus mutusWhen to see
January to DecemberSpecies information
Statistics
Length: 34-36cmWingspan: 54-60cm
Weight: 400-500g
Average lifespan: 3-4 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).
Habitats
About
The ptarmigan, also known as the 'rock ptarmigan', is a plump bird, a little larger than a grey partridge. It is exclusively found in the Scottish Highlands. Mature birds eat seeds, berries, nuts and leaves, while juveniles also eat invertebrates. When breeding, males usually mate with one hen, producing one brood a year of around seven eggs.How to identify
In winter, the ptarmigan has thick, snow-white plumage. It moults in summer, becoming a flecked mixture of brown, grey and black.Distribution
Found only in the Scottish Highlands.Did you know?
Male ptarmigans can be identified by the bright red eye-patches they sport in the summer. In winter, they turn almost completely white to blend into their cold, snowy surroundings.
Bertie Gregory/2020VISION