84 TETRA0N1DA. 



R A SORES. TETRAONlDAi. 



PLATE CLII. 



PTARMIGAN. 



TETBAO LOGAPUS. 



The Ptarmigan is found in the northern parts of Europe, 

 Asia, and America ; and in some countries in very great 

 numbers. In Norway, Sweden, and Lapland, it is very 

 plentiful. In Scotland it frequents chiefly the most moun- 

 tainous regions : it inhabits the Alps of central Europe, 

 Switzerland, Savoy, and those of the south of Germany ; 

 and every where in plenty. Although this bird is widely 

 distributed, it nevertheless resides in a very equal tempera- 

 ture, inasmuch as it does not leave even during the summer 

 months the snowy regions altogether. When the severe 

 frosts and unceasing gales set in among the loftiest mountains, 

 the Ptarmigan descends only to more sheltered parts, but 

 never lower into the valleys than where the snow remains upon 

 the ground. In Norway, and about Drontheim, the numbers 

 of Ptarmigans that arrive from the polar circle are incredible, 

 when the depth of the snow prevents the birds from looking 

 for their food, and when the frost becomes severe enough 

 to endanger their lives. In every respect the Ptarmigan is a 

 snow bird, and the German name of the Schneehuhn (" Snow- 

 Chick") is very appropriate. It is remarkable, that the 

 Ptarmigan avoids the rays of the sun by seeking the shady 

 parts of the mountains on a fine bright day. For what reason 



