The rock ptarmigan

This species, gifted with an exceptional ability of mimicry, is able to alter its plumage between the summer and winter seasons in order to blend in with its environment. In winter, its plumage is plain white; in summer, there are brown and black patches on top; in autumn: greyish with white patches on top.
Its name, which means "hare's foot", comes from the fact that its feet are covered in thick fluff during winter!
It is one of the most endangered birds in the Alps.
In the Haute-Savoie nature reserves, populations are monitored every year to assess changes in numbers, with the help of the " Observatory of Mountain Galliformes ".