Rock Ptarmigan

Lagopus muta

The rock ptarmigan is a medium-sized game bird in the grouse tribe. It is known simply as the ptarmigan in Europe. It is the official bird for the Canadian territory of Nunavut, where it is known as the aqiggiq (ᐊᕿᒡᒋᖅ), and the official game bird for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. In Japan, it is known as the raichō (雷鳥), which means "thunder bird"; it is the official bird of Gifu, Nagano, and Toyama Prefectures and is a protected species nationwide.

Scientific name

Lagopus muta

Family

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies

IUCN status

LC

Birds of Conservation Concern

Red