snow-grouse

snow-grouse

A snow-grouse pecks at seeds on a snowy hillside.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A bird species: "snow-grouse" refers to a type of grouse, specifically the Lagopus lagopus (also known as the willow ptarmigan) or other related species, characterized by its white plumage in winter, which provides camouflage in snowy environments. It is a bird found in northern regions.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The snow-grouse is well adapted to Arctic winters, with its white feathers blending perfectly into the snow. (A bird that changes colour for camouflage.)
    • Hunters in Scandinavia often seek the snow-grouse for its meat. (A game bird in northern areas.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to hunt snow-grouse": to pursue this bird as a sport or for food.
    • They set out early to hunt snow-grouse in the highlands. (They went to capture this bird for sport.)
  • "snow-grouse population": the number of these birds in a given area.
    • The snow-grouse population has declined due to climate change. (The quantity of these birds has decreased.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Grouse (n): a general term for a group of game birds in the family Tetraonidae.
    • The red grouse is a common species in the UK. (A related bird.)
  • Ptarmigan (n): another name for a snow-grouse, especially the genus.
    • The ptarmigan's feathers turn white in winter. (A synonym for snow-grouse.)
  • Snowy (adj): resembling or covered with snow.
    • The snowy owl also lives in cold regions. (Related to snow.)
Synonyms
  • Ptarmigan: a bird of the same genus, often used interchangeably with snow-grouse.
  • White grouse: a descriptive term for the snow-grouse's winter appearance.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated with "snow-grouse"; however, related verb phrases include:
    • Flush out: to drive a bird from its hiding place.
      • The dogs flushed out a snow-grouse from the bushes. (Caused the bird to fly out.)
Related Idioms
  • "A snow-grouse in the hand": a rare or metaphorical expression meaning something valuable but difficult to obtain (not a standard idiom; used figuratively).
    • He considered the contract a snow-grouse in the hand, but it slipped away. (A hard-to-keep prize.)
Additional Notes
  • The snow-grouse is also known as the willow ptarmigan in North America and parts of Europe. Its scientific name is .
  • The bird is notable for its seasonal camouflage: white in winter, brown in summer.