Ptarmigan
Lagopus mutus
Length 34-36cm

A mountain species, in Britain restricted to Scottish Highlands. In summer (A), male has marbled grey-brown plumage with white underparts and red wattle above eye. Female has mainly buffish brown plumage and white underparts. In flight, both sexes show conspicuous white wings. In winter (B), both sexes mainly white except for black in tail and at base of bill in male. Rarely below 700m even in winter. Easy to see on Cairngorm and often rather confiding. Presence indicated by piles of droppings like cigarette ash and by croaking call of male.