ˈtärmə̇gən, -mēg- noun
( plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans )
Etymology: modification of Scottish Gaelic tārmachan
: any of various grouses of the genus Lagopus of northern regions having completely feathered feet, winter plumage that is chiefly or wholly white except in the British red grouse, and summer plumage that is largely grayish, brownish, or blackish and variously barred and vermiculated
[s]ptarmiga.jpg[/s] [
ptarmigan: A summer plumage; B winter plumage
]