The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

PTARMIGAN

The ptarmigan is a Scottish bird of the Tetraonidae family, similar to the grouse. It is essentially a mountain form, feeding on shoots and berries, and unlike many of its allies, is monogamous. The most interesting point about it is the striking seasonal variation of the plumage, which exhibits a marked resemblance to the surroundings. In the colder parts of its range both sexes become white in winter, with the exception of the outer tail feathers, which are black in both sexes, and a black patch in front of the eye in the male. The summer plumage of the male is blackish brown with grey and reddish markings; the greater part of the wings, the median tail feathers, and the abdomen retaining the winter white. The female is reddish, barred with black. In autumn the back becomes greyish.
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