Lagopus muta · Icelandic: Rjúpa

Iceland's only native game bird, camouflaged for every season.

Habitat: Highland moor, lava fields and scrub | Season: All year

Identification

• Chunky grouse; pure white in winter, mottled brown-and-grey in summer
• Feathered legs and feet year-round

Behaviour

Freezes and relies on camouflage rather than flight when threatened. Iceland's only native game bird.

Did you know?

Ptarmigan is a traditional Icelandic Christmas dish, and population counts are tracked closely every year to set the hunting season.

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