See text Lagopus is a genus of birds in the grouse subfamily commonly known as ptarmigans (/ˈtɑːrmɪɡənz/).

[1][2] The genus name Lagopus is derived from Ancient Greek lagos (λαγος), meaning "hare, rabbit", + pous (πους), "foot", in reference to the feathered feet and toes typical of this cold-adapted group (such as the snowshoe hare).

The specific epithets muta and leucura were for a long time misspelt mutus and leucurus, in the erroneous belief that the ending of Lagopus denotes masculine gender.

With the exception of the red grouse (until recently considered a subspecies of willow ptarmigan),[5] all have a white winter plumage that helps them blend into the snowy background.

In all species except for the willow ptarmigan, the female takes all responsibility for nesting and caring for the chicks, as is typical with gamebirds.