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

This bird is a species of ptarmigan, and is pure white, with the exception of the tips of the wings and tail.

From Project Gutenberg

In winter the woods and frozen swamps are filled with ptarmigan—or, as they are called by the trappers, white partridges.

From Project Gutenberg

One or two flocks of ptarmigan, scared by the storm, flew swiftly past us, and sought shelter in the neighbouring forest.

From Project Gutenberg

The rose-finch and the ptarmigan live the year round near the snow-line above the limits of tree growth.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't know whether they are the willow ptarmigan or the white-tail ptarmigan.

From Project Gutenberg