The Ptarmigan, or White Grouse. 321 



They keep near the summits of the heathy hills, and 

 seldom descend to the lower grounds. Here they feed 

 on the mountain berries and on the tender tops of the 

 heath. The hen lays seven or eight eggs of a reddish 

 black colour. 



THE PTARMIGAN, OR WHITE GROUSE, 

 {Lagopus vulgaris,) 



Is somewhat larger than a pigeon ; its bill is black, and its 

 plumage in summer is of a pale brown colour, elegantly 

 mottled with small bars and dusky spots. The head and 

 neck are marked with broad bars of black, rust-colour, 

 and white; the wings and belly are white. The White 

 Grouse is fond of lofty situations, where it braves the 

 severest cold. It is found in most of the northern parts 

 of Europe and America, even as far as Greenland. In 

 this country it is only to be met with on the summits 

 of some of our highest hills, chiefly in Scotland, and in 

 the Hebrides and Orkneys, but sometimes in Cumberland 

 and Wales. Its plumage becomes pure white in winter, 

 with the exception of the tail feathers, which remain 

 black. 



