Word of the Day, February 20: 'Lagopus'

Word of the day: LAGOPUS
Pronunciation: La·go·pus  UK /ləˈɡəʊpəs/ and US /ləˈɡoʊpəs/

Meaning:
'Lagopus' is a scientific term referring to a genus of birds commonly known as ptarmigans. These birds belong to the grouse family and are specially adapted to live in cold, Arctic and alpine environments.

Origin and history:

The word Lagopus comes from the Ancient Greek word "lagṓpous" (), which is derived from "lagṓs" (meaning "hare" or "rabbit") and "poús" (meaning "foot"). This term refers to the densely feathered feet of ptarmigans, which resemble a hare's foot.

The term 'lagopus' was formally used in 18th-century zoological classification, especially in the works of early naturalists who categorised Arctic wildlife based on physical adaptations.

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Cultural significance and modern usage:

In Britain, the red grouse (a subspecies of Lagopus lagopus) is central to the "Glorious Twelfth" (August 12th), the start of the shooting season. It is a major symbol of Scottish upland culture, appearing in traditional art and marking the start of a significant, albeit contentious, sporting and economic season.

In Greek mythology, the lagopus is linked to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and wild nature. Legend suggests she transformed into a rock ptarmigan to escape Zeus, making it a sacred animal in some interpretations.

In mediaeval European animal histories (bestiaries), the lagopus was sometimes misidentified, leading to myths that it could not be tamed, could only live in high, snowy places, and was considered to have "hare-like" feet.

Interesting facts:

• Lagopus species change feather colour with the seasons—white in winter, brown or grey in summer.
• Feathered feet help them walk on snow and conserve body heat.
• They can survive temperatures as low as –40°C.
• Unlike many birds, they often burrow into snow to sleep and stay warm.
• They are found across Arctic tundra and high mountain ranges in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Examples from literature:

• Resembling L. r. nelsoni in corresponding plumage, "but much darker; in extreme blackness of coloration nearly like Lagopus evermanni, but feathers of chest and back more or less finely vermiculated with hazel."- Color Key to North American Birds by Frank M Chapman
• The whole genus Lagopus is a distinctly Arctic one, and there can be no doubt that the British Grouse belongs to the northern migration, just like the Arctic Hare.- The History of the European Fauna by R. F. Scharff
• Ochroma Lagopus.—A tree that grows about 40 feet high, along the seashores in the West Indies and Central America, and known as the cork wood.- Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the US Department of Agriculture" by William Saunders

Synonyms

• Ptarmigan
• Willow grouse
• Rock ptarmigan

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