ptarmigan

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ptarmigan Any of three species of northern or alpine grouse, all of which have feathered legs; especially the Eurasian ptarmigan, Lagopus mutus. The wings and breast are white in colder months, but in the spring they become a mottled grey-brown. It inhabits high barren regions, feeding on leaves and lichens. Length: to 36cm (14in). Family Tetraonidae.

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