ptarmigan

[ tahr-mi-guhn ]

noun

, plural ptar·mi·gans, (especially collectively) ptar·mi·gan.

1. any of several grouses of the genus Lagopus, of mountainous and cold northern regions, having feathered feet.

ptarmigan

/ ˈtɑːmɪɡən /

noun

1. any of several arctic and subarctic grouse of the genus Lagopus, esp L. mutus, which has a white winter plumage
2. sometimes capital a created domestic fancy pigeon with ruffled or curled feathers on the wings and back

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptarmigan¹

1590–1600; pseudo-Greek spelling of Scots Gaelic tarmarchan, akin to Irish tarmanach

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptarmigan¹

C16: changed (perhaps influenced by Greek pteron wing) from Scottish Gaelic tarmachan, diminutive of tarmach, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan has adapted to live in frigid climates, burrowing into dry, fluffy snow and packing on weight to keep warm in the winters.

From Seattle Times

Rainier ptarmigan, the saltmarsh sparrow of the Atlantic coast and numerous birds of Hawaii.

From Seattle Times

Scotland is home to Arctic specialists - birds like dotterel, snow bunting and ptarmigan - which are found high on Scotland's mountains.

From BBC

Sometimes the groups get lucky and spot a ptarmigan, or a long-tailed weasel in its white winter coat.

From Seattle Times

We passed grizzly bear mothers lumbering alongside cubs, flocks of ptarmigans and scurrying porcupines.

From Washington Post