GAME BIRDS OF INDIA AND ASIA. ISI 



Rock Ptarmigan. 



Lagopus rupestris, Brit. Mus. Cat., Birds, Vol. XXII. 



This is a more northern bird even than the willow-grouse, being 

 found in the high Arctic regions all across Asia and America and 

 in Iceland ; it is practically a race of the well-known Ptarmigan 

 (L. mutws) of European mountain-tops. It is distinguished 

 from the Willow-grouse at all seasons by its weaker bill and 

 slightly smaller size, the closed wing of the cock being only 

 seven and-a-half instead of eight inches ; and in the white winter 

 dress the cock has a black patch between bill and eye. In 

 summer the coloured parts of his plumage are much blacker 

 than those of the cock willow-grouse. 



The eggs are very similar to those of the Willow-grouse, but 

 smaller. 



