ptarmigan

ptarmigan (tär`məgən): see grouse.

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ptarmigan

Any of three or four species of grouse (genus Lagopus) of cold regions. Ptarmigan plumage changes from white in winter to gray or brown, with barring, in spring and summer. The toes are covered with stiff feathers above and below. The common ptarmigan (L. mutus) occurs throughout the British Isles, Europe, and North America, where it is called rock ptarmigan. Ptarmigans survive winter in the Arctic and on mountaintops by browsing shrubs and scratching up lichens and leaves; they burrow in snow to sleep. Males begin group displays in early spring and then separate and display singly in adjoining territories.

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ptarmigan

1. any of several arctic and subarctic grouse of the genus Lagopus, esp L. mutus, which has a white winter plumage

2. a created domestic fancy pigeon with ruffled or curled feathers on the wings and back

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ptarmigan [′tar·mə·gən]

(vertebrate zoology)

Any of various birds of the genusLagopusin the family Tetraonidae; during the winter, plumage is white and hairlike feathers cover the feet.