404 



GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



grey and brown : the male has a large black patch under the 

 throat. 



The Ptarmigans have feet much like those of a hare, and thence 

 is derived the name Lagopus, which signifies " hare-foot " (Aayos, 

 hare; ttous, ttoSos, foot). These birds not only have their tarsi 

 covered with feathers, but also their toes and the soles of their 

 feet. 



The icy regions of both hemispheres, and the summits of lofty 

 mountains, are their domain. The snow is their favourite resting- 

 place ; they delight in rolling in it, and turning it over in search 

 of food, or forming holes in which they pass the night to take 

 shelter from the storm. 



The colour of Ptarmigans is perfectly suited to the northern 

 solitudes they inhabit. Their plumage is of a brilliant white, save 

 one line of black on the head, and some tail-feathers of the same 

 colour. This is their winter costume. In the summer, when the 



Fig. 161. Common Ptarmigan {Lacjo-pus mutiis, Gould), Summer and Winter Dress. 



snow has disappeared under the scorching rays of the sun, they 

 chano-e their plumage, and are clothed in a habit of a greyish 

 colour, spotted with brown and red (Fig. 161). Like the Cock of 

 the "Woods and the Hazel Hen, they are birds of social habits, 

 and cannot bear captivity. When kept in confinement they 

 become sickly, and soon fall into decline. Their flesh is excellent 

 and much prized. Numbers of them are sold in the markets, and 

 considerable quantities are sent every year to England and France 



