Admire a white ptarmigan in the Highlands

Seasonally changing their colour, beautiful white ptarmigan inhabit cold, harsh climes that most other animals would have difficulty surviving in.

The ptarmigan is a plump gamebird, slightly larger than a grey partridge. In summer, it is a mixture of grey, brown and black above with a white belly 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. Birds are residents, seldom moving far from breeding sites.

The likes of the Fannich summits, Cairngorms National Park and the north-western Highlands of Scotland are ptarmigan territory, so look out for these birds as you explore these beautifully remote landscapes.

In winter the birds may move from the highest ground to the edge of forests. So brave the cold, put on your cosy white hat and gloves, and try your best to spot one this winter.

Find out more about spotting wildlife in Scotland this winter.