P. nivalis P. hyperboreus Plectrophenax is a small genus of passerine birds of the longspur family Calcariidae.

The genus Plectrophenax was introduced in 1882 by the Norwegian born zoologist Leonhard Stejneger with the snow bunting as the type species.

[3][4] They are high Arctic breeding seed-eating birds with stubby, conical bills, and much white in the plumage, especially in adult males.

As would be expected, both species are highly migratory, wintering in more temperate areas.

Adult breeding males of both species are mainly white with contrasting black on at least the wings, but are duller in winter.