Ptarmigans are plump members of the grouse family. Their plumage changes with the seasons, maximising their camouflage potential in the high mountain terrain that they favour. Almost completely white during winter months ptarmigans become a mottled mix of grey black and brown with pale bellies during summer.

In the UK ptarmigan are only found at elevations above 600 metres, on the highest mountains of the highlands of Scotland. Their distinctive call is usually heard well before they are seen and is typically the first point of contact with these birds. It also gives ptarmigan their name; a derivative of the Scottish word tarmachan which means 'to murmur or mutter'.