433 



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. 



Bun carl 



THE Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus> 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 burfish-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. 



