Riekko

Riekko is the Finnish common name for the willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus), a medium-sized ground-dwelling bird in the grouse family Tetraonidae. It inhabits boreal and Arctic regions of Europe and Asia, including Finland, where it is a familiar bird in northern forests and tundra edges. In Finnish usage, riekko typically denotes Lagopus lagopus, though the term can be applied to other Lagopus species, such as the rock ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus), in alpine environments.

The bird has seasonal plumage: brownish-tawny in summer for camouflage among shrubs, and almost pure white in winter with a dark tail and wing markings. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with females generally smaller.

Riekko is primarily resident in suitable habitats, forming small flocks outside the breeding season. It feeds mainly on plant material—buds, leaves, shoots, and berries—with insects important for chicks in summer. It is well adapted to cold climates and to snow cover, which provides camouflage and, at times, foraging opportunities beneath the surface.

Reproduction occurs on the ground. The female builds a simple mossy nest and lays several eggs (typically 4–8). Incubation lasts about three weeks, after which precocial chicks hatch and begin foraging with the parent.

Conservation and management: globally, willow ptarmigan are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though populations in some regions fluctuate cyclically and can be affected by weather, food availability, and hunting pressure. In Finland and other Nordic countries, riekko hunting is regulated with quotas and seasons to maintain sustainable populations.