judith.kuhn
haresfoot
The Latin name of the rock ptarmigan "lagopus mutus" literally means "dumb hare's foot". The comparison with the hare's foot refers to the ptarmigan's fully feathered feet, similar to the hairy paws of the hare. In winter, these feathers become particularly thick, so feet are well protected against the cold of the arctic winter and the increased surface area also acts like a snowshoe
haresfoot
The Latin name of the rock ptarmigan "lagopus mutus" literally means "dumb hare's foot". The comparison with the hare's foot refers to the ptarmigan's fully feathered feet, similar to the hairy paws of the hare. In winter, these feathers become particularly thick, so feet are well protected against the cold of the arctic winter and the increased surface area also acts like a snowshoe