(Jloc6g (mountain Ti7onbetr(an^ 



scend below the timber-line. But a late and 

 prolonged winter storm may drive him and his 

 neighbor the rosy finch a mile or so down the 

 slopes. The first fine day he is back again to 

 the happy heights. The ptarmigan lives in the 

 heathery growths among huge rocky debris. 

 Much of the winter-time he shelters himself in 

 deeply penetrating holes or runs in the com- 

 pacted snow. His food consists of the seeds and 

 buds of alpine plants, grasses, and insects. His 

 ways remind one of a grouse, though he is a 

 smaller bird. During winter he appears in suit 

 of white, stockings and all. In spring a few 

 black and cinnamon-colored feathers are added, 

 and by midsummer his dress is grayish-brown. 

 During all seasons he is fairly well concealed 

 from enemies by the protective coloration of his 

 clothes, and he depends largely upon this for 

 protection. He is preyed upon by the weasel, 

 fox, bear, eagle, and lion. . 



Although the mountain-tops have only a few 

 resident birds, they have numerous summer 

 bird builders and sojourners. Many birds nest 

 in these heights instead of going to similar con- 



114 



