willow ptarmigan

American  

noun

1. a ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus, of Arctic and subarctic regions of the New and Old Worlds, having brown, mottled plumage in summer and white plumage in winter.

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Etymology

Origin of willow ptarmigan

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Arctic foxes and hares and round, puffy birds called willow ptarmigan that were brown in summer and turned white in winter.

From Literature

A chicken-like bird, the willow ptarmigan sports a rust-colored coat during warmer seasons.

From National Geographic

Willow ptarmigan flourish in the Arctic’s northern tundra.

From National Geographic

Long white feathers coat the willow ptarmigan during winter, along with a few black tail feathers.

From National Geographic

Willow ptarmigan flourish in the Arctic’s northern tundra.

From National Geographic