Ptarmigan

Lagopus mutus

Ptarmigan

Ptarmigan are amongst the toughest of Scotland’s birds. They spend all winter on the high tops where they feed on heather shoots and other vegetation and small insects. Their plumage changes to white for winter camouflage and in summer they have subtle greys which camouflage them amongst the rocks where they have their nests. They are found on the higher mountains at Rannoch such as Beinn a’ Chuallaich, Schiehallion and Carn Mairg. They are vulnerable to global warming as they might be forced up the mountains by temperature rises until there is no mountain left. They were considered game birds and were shot. Thankfully, since they are endangered, I don’t think this is done any more.

In winter they turn white and are camouflaged against the snow which makes it harder for golden eagles to prey upon them.

Creative Commons - Credit Jan Frode Haugseth.

Ptarmigan feathers and droppings on Schiehallion - credit Richard Paul

Ptarmigan feather on Schiehallion