438 



BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



and the general colour is much paler. The young resemble 

 the adults, but show more white on the head and belly. 



ptarmigan. 



JON/V Du/VCAA/ 



The Ptarmigan {Lagoptis inutus, Montin) is a resident in the 

 British Islands, and is also found inhabiting the moun- 

 tainous portions of Europe and Central Asia. The adult 

 male in summer plumage has the chin and under parts 

 below the chest, white ; wings, white ; tail, black ; central 

 feathers have narrow tips of white ; remainder of plumage, 

 almost black, with fine vermiculations of buffish-brown ; 

 lores, black ; head and neck, marked here and there with 

 white ; irides, hazel ; wattles above eyes, scarlet ; bill and 

 claws, dark brown. Length, about fifteen or sixteen inches. 

 The female's general colour is rusty-yellow, barred and 

 otherwise marked with blackish. 



