The Ptarmigan, or White Grouse. 321 
They keep near the summits of the heathy hills, and 
seldom descend to the lower grounds. Here they feed 
on the mountain berries and on the tender tops of the 
heath. The hen lays seven or eight eggs of a reddish 
black colour. 
THE PTARMIGAN, OR WHITE GROUSE, 
(Lagopus vulgaris,) 
Is somewhat larger than a pigeon ; its bill is black, and its 
plumage in summer is of a pale brown colour, elegantl} 
mottled with small bars and dusky spots. The head and 
neck are marked with broad bars of black, rust-colour, 
and white ; the wings and belly are white. The White 
Grouse is fond of lofty situations, where it braves the 
severest cold. It is found in most of the northern parts 
of Europe and America, even as far as Greenland. In 
this country it is only to be met with on the summits 
of some of our highest hills, chiefly in Scotland, and in 
the Hebrides and Orkneys, but sometimes in Cumberland 
and Wales. Its plumage becomes pure white in winter, 
with the exception of the tail feathers, which remain 
black. 
