ptarmigan

From Scottish Gaelic tarmachan, of unknown origin. The pt- comes from a mistaken belief in a Greek origin, as if related to ptero- (“wing”).

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈtɑːmɪɡən/

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ptarmigan (plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans)

1. Any of three species of small grouse in the genus Lagopus found in subarctic tundra areas of North America and Eurasia.

• (species of small grouse): lagopus (obsolete)
• rype

• rock ptarmigan, Lagopus muta
• white-tailed ptarmigan, Lagopus leucura
• willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus