What Does Ptarmigan Mean?

The word ptarmigan comes from the Scottish word tarmachan which means 'to mutter or murmur'. Ptarmigan is the name of a species of birds. They belong to the grouse family. The scientific name for this species is Lagopus muta or mutus. They are relatively small birds measuring only 31-35 in length. They can be found inhabiting many areas in artic and sub arctic Eurasia, rocky mountainsides and even select regions of the tundra. A few of them can even be sound in the lofty mountains of Scotland, the Urals, the Pamir Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Atlay mountains and Japan.

The ptarmigans have many alternate names including Rock ptarmigan and Snow Chicken. It is the official bird of the Nunavut territory in Canada. Breeding males generally have grey torsos, white wings and lower bodies. During the frosty winter season their plumage becomes fully white with the exception of their tails. Interestingly the males are notorious for their song which is a rather unpleasant croaking noise.

The Ptarmigan have a largely vegetarian diet barring an occasional insect. They deed on willow and birch buds and catkins whenever possible. They enjoy certain kinds of seeds, flowers, leaves and berries.