For that matter, both sexes look almost completely alike except that the bucks are sturdier. In the summer, the fairly thick coat is reddish or rusty brown turning gradually to bright yellow on the belly. A blackish brown strip runs the length of the back. During the winter, the Chamois is deep brown or glossy brownish black, the belly is white and the legs are lighter than the upper part of the body.

Habits
The Chamois is actually a forest antelope that prefers the uppermost belt of forest amoung the mountain pines. Its food consists of Alpine plants, young twigs and shoots, and the young shoots of conifers. During the winter, it feeds on moss and lichens or the buds of conifers. The area inhabited by Chamois stretches from the high mountains of Europe to the Caucasus. The Chamois inhabiting the French Alps and the Pyrenees are known there as Isards.

Gastronomy
According to connoisseurs, the flavour of young roasted Chamois exceeds that of any other roast game and is even tenderer than beef. The meat from young Chamois can be prepared like venison. Older animals have stringy flesh that will have to be marinated prior to cooking.