34 THE GAME BIEDS AND WILD FOWL 



during winter, birds are scarcer on the highest tops and said to be smaller in size. 

 Although subject to the same disease as the Eed Grouse, this is never so virulent, 

 the sterner conditions of existence probably doing much to stamp out its tendency 

 to spread and recur. 



Nidification. — The Ptarmigan is monogamous and pairs early in the year, 

 although the eggs are not laid before the beginning or even the end of May, 

 according to the state of the season. The nest is little more than a hollow in 

 the ground, sometimes beneath the shelter of a bush or beside a rock boulder, 

 sparsely lined with twigs of heather, and perhaps a little dead mountain grass 

 and a few bilberry leaves. The eggs are from eight to twelve in number, buffish- 

 white or buff in ground-colour, spotted and blotched with rich liver-brown. 

 They are, on an average, 1'7 inch in length by 1"1 inch in breadth. The hen-bird 

 sits closely, often allowing herself to be nearly trodden upon before rising. The 

 young chicks run soon after they are hatched, and are very well able to take 

 care of themselves, scattering and hiding amongst the stones and vegetation the 

 moment danger threatens or when the watchful mother sounds the note of 

 warning. The hen alone appears to incubate the eggs, sitting about three weeks 

 for the purpose. One brood only is reared each season. 



Diagnostic cliaracters. — Lagopus, with the primaries white with dark 

 shafts, and the wing less than 8 inches in length. Length, 15 inches. 



