ptarmigan

noun

ptar·​mi·​gan ˈtär-mi-gən 

plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans

: any of various grouses (genus Lagopus) of northern regions with completely feathered feet

Illustration of ptarmigan

• A summer plumage
• B winter plumage

Examples of ptarmigan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ptarmigan is just one bird species that changes color in the winter, shifting from brown to white to blend in with the snow. — Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2023

Willow ptarmigan The willow ptarmigan is Alaska's state bird. — Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 25 July 2023

But as temperatures rise, the treeline is creeping upward—and shrinking the ptarmigan’s already small habitat in the process. — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2024

Among the animals were polar bears, walruses, bowhead whales, Atlantic puffins, common eiders, rock ptarmigans, and Atlantic cod. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Scottish Gaelic tarmachan

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ptarmigan

noun

ptar·​mi·​gan ˈtär-mi-gən 

plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans

: any of various grouses of northern regions with completely feathered feet