noun
ptarmigan; Japanese ptarmigan; grouse
Refers to the bird species Lagopus muta, especially the Japanese subspecies Lagopus muta japonica. In everyday Japanese, it typically means the Japanese ptarmigan, a protected bird found in alpine regions.
ライチョウは日本の特別天然記念物です。
The Japanese ptarmigan is a special natural monument of Japan.
夏のライチョウは茶色い羽をしています。
In summer, the ptarmigan has brown feathers.
The kanji 雷 (thunder) and 鳥 (bird) are used, but the exact origin of the name is uncertain. It may refer to the bird's habitat in high mountains where thunderstorms occur, or to its drumming sound.