The ptarmigan, Lagopus mutus, is a member of the grouse family and only found on the highest mountains of Scotland. Ptarmigan can cope with the harshest winter weather that the high tops can throw at them. Their colour changes with the seasons ranging from pure white in the middle of winter and moulting to a mottled grey brown and black with white underparts in the summer months. It is likely that you will hear a ptarmigan distinctive stony rasping call before you sight this beautifully camouflaged bird.