ptarmigan

listen to the pronunciation of ptarmigan
English - English
Any of three species of small grouse in the genus Lagopus found in subarctic tundra areas of North America and Eurasia
{n} a bird of northern climates
A small grouse, or , found in subarctic tundra areas
Any grouse of the genus Lagopus, of which numerous species are known
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
The feet are completely feathered
{i} any of several species of bird from the grouse family
large arctic and subarctic grouse with feathered feet and usually white winter plumage
Most of the species are brown in summer, but turn white, or nearly white, in winter
ptarmigans
lagopus
willow ptarmigan
The common ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) of Arctic regions, having brownish plumage that turns white in winter
ptarmigan

    Hyphenation

    ptar·mi·gan

    Pronunciation

    Etymology

    () From Scottish Gaelic tàrmachan. The pt- comes from a mistaken Greek construction.
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