Lagopus lagopus

- Plumage: Winter pure snow-white with black outer tail feathers; spring/summer rich chestnut-red to reddish-brown head, neck, and chest with white wings. - Beak: Heavy, thick black bill (distinctly larger and stouter than Rock Ptarmigan). - Body build: Bulkier and larger than Rock Ptarmigan, with broad feathered feet functioning as snowshoes. - Distinctive details: Lacks the black eye-stripe in winter plumage; bright scarlet red eye comb in breeding males, snowshoe-like feathered feet.

This species is an important part of the ecosystems in Västerbotten.