Ptarmigan's are a small game bird, belonging to the grouse family. They are found in the Highlands of Scotland, Europe and North America. During the summer they are a mixture of grey, brown and black, with white bellies and wings. In winter they become totaly white. The male birds have red eye patches.

In the UK and Canada it is known as the Ptarmigan, whilst in Japan it is known as raicho or "thunder bird".