In summer, is a mixture of grey, brown and black above with white bellies and wings. In winter, it becomes totally white except for its tail and eye-patch, which remain black. It breeds in the highest mountains of the Highlands of Scotland on the Arctic like landscape there. Birds are residents, seldom moving far from breeding sites. In severe cold weather, birds may move from the highest ground to the edge of forests.
The ptarmigan is a plump gamebird, slightly larger than a grey partridge.
Discover more about the Ptarmigan
When to see
You should be able to see ptarmigans all year round.
Where to see
The only place to see ptarmigans is on the highest mountains of the highlands of Scotland.
Did you know?
The latin Lagopus comes from the Greek words lagos, which means 'hare' and pous which means 'foot'. Referring to the hairy feet on these birds.
When to see
You should be able to see ptarmigans all year round.
Where to see
The only place to see ptarmigans is on the highest mountains of the highlands of Scotland.
Did you know?
The latin Lagopus comes from the Greek words lagos, which means 'hare' and pous which means 'foot'. Referring to the hairy feet on these birds.
When to see
You should be able to see ptarmigans all year round.
Where to see
The only place to see ptarmigans is on the highest mountains of the highlands of Scotland.
Did you know?
The latin Lagopus comes from the Greek words lagos, which means 'hare' and pous which means 'foot'. Referring to the hairy feet on these birds.
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA