PTARMIGAN, Lagopus, a genus of tetraonida, differing from the true grouse (q.v.) chiefly in having the toes thickly clothed with short feathers as well as the legs (tarn). Hence the name lagopus, a name used by Pliny, from the resemblance of the foot to that of a hare. The bill is very short, and clothed at the base with feathers. The species are natives of the northern parts of the world, and either of elevated or of strictly arctic regions. They are not polygamous, like the true grouse, nor do the males strut with erected and expanded tail. Most of the species change color very much on the approach of winter, assuming a white, or nearly white plumage, and the diversities of color have caused sonic confusion and difficulty concerning them. They are all much esteemed for the table. The COMMON PTARMIGAN, Or GRAY PTARMIGAN (L. vulgaris or L.mnius), is a native of the most northern parts both of the old and new worlds. In Britain, it is now seldom seen much further s. than the Grampians, and occurs only on high monn tains. It was formerly an inhabitant of those of Cumberland and Wales. It is not found in Ireland. It is abundant in Norway, from which great numbers are annually brought to the London market. In arctic countries the haunts of the ptarmigan are not mountain-tops, but low valleys and plains even to the sea-shore. In form and habits, it much resembles the moor-fowl (q.v.), but is rather smaller. The winter plumage is pure white, except a black band above the eye of the male, and some parts of the quill and tail feathers. The summer plumage is as beautifully adapted to the concealment of the bird from enemies, by its harmony with the general aspect of the ground, as that of Ivinter; the male being mostly brownish-gray, with undulating lines of black; the wings, middle tail-feathers, and under parts of the body, white; the female similar, but with a prevalent yellow tinge. The plumage, however, varies very much, according to age,
sex, and the season of the year. Ptarmigans seem to trust very much for safety to the facility with which they are able to elude observation, whether among the snows of win ter or the lichen-covered rocks in summer, and an unaccustomed sportsman is often startled by is covey springing up close beside him, of which he had not previously observed one. The ptarmigan is capable of being tamed, and has even been found to breed in confinement. The voice of the ptarmigan is a low croaking cry. The name ptarmigan is a modification of the Gaelic name. The rock ptarmigan, said to occur in the u. of Scotland, and to be common in Norway. seems to be merely the common species in a particular state of plumage.—The moor-fowl (q.v.) is a species of ptarmigan. —Another is the WILLOW PTAIMIGAN, or GROUSE (L. Ealiceti), of the northern parts of. the world, abundant in the arctic parts of America, and in Norway, from which great numbers are brought to the London market. Its summer plumage much resembles that of the moor-fowl, but its winter plumage is white. It does not inhabit regions so cold or lofty as the common ptarmigan, but loves thickets of willow and dwarf-birch. It is found in Europe as far s. as the valleys of the Alps. In North America it is partially migratory. —There are other species in Siberia, Iceland, the Rocky mountains, the mountains of Mexico, etc.