White-tailed ptarmigan name "Tetrao (Lagopus) leucurus" by the Arctic explorer John Richardson in 1831. It was later determined that "Lagopus" had sufficient distinguishing features to be regarded as a separate genus and the bird became "Lagopus leucurus". Molecular studies have shown that "Lagopus" is monophyletic, with the rock ptarmigan ("Lagopus muta") and White-tailed ptarmigan being sister species. The position of the willow ptarmigan ("Lagopus lagopus") is less clear cut, it showing some genetic divergence over its wide range. The genus name "Lagopus" is derived from Ancient Greek "lagos" (λαγως), meaning "hare", + "pous" (πους), "foot", in reference to the bird's feathered legs.
Winter Mountain and shortly afterwards, signed to Dillon and Lakemans fledgling label 'Charcoal Records'. Their debut album 'Winter Mountain', produced by Sam Lakeman and recorded at multiple vintage studios throughout the UK including Rockfields and State of the ark, was released in 2013 to much acclaim. Soon after the release Winter Mountain signed to Faber Music Publishing. Smyth left Winter Mountain in 2015. In the year that followed Francis travelled Ireland, The UK and France. Whilst on the road he wrote and demoed the songs that were to form Winter Mountains second album 'I Swear I Flew'. Upon his return to Cornwall