DCHP-1 Online
white partridge 
a rock or willow ptarmigan, in winter plumage.
See also: white grouse willow ptarmigan
- 1684 (1885) Our men repair'd this Losse, having kill'd some more Deere and 4,000 white Partridges, somewhat bigger than those of Europe.
- 1748 The white Partridge is of a middle Size, between our common Partridge and the Pheasant, shaped much like the former, except that its Tail is somewhat longer.
- 1843 (1955) The white partridges and pheasants are so tame that I have shot them close to the fort. . . .
- 1952 (1954) There were also . . . white partridges, or ptarmigan, which were very fine eating but not so plentiful as other kinds.
- 1684 (1885) Our men repair'd this Losse, having kill'd some more Deere and 4,000 white Partridges, somewhat bigger than those of Europe.