Himalayan Snowcock
NameHimalayan Snowcock
Common NameHimalayan Snowcock
Scientific NameTetraogallus himalayensis
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)63
Weight (g)2800
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly greyish-brown with fine vermiculations and streaking, providing excellent camouflage against rocky terrain. It features a distinctive white throat bordered by a broad chestnut band, and white undertail coverts. The flanks are streaked with rufous and black.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include loud, whistling calls, often described as a series of 'whee-whee-whee' or 'ko-ko-ko-ko' notes, which carry well across mountain valleys.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsmountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high mountains of Central Asia and the Himalayas, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a game bird, Greyish-brown body with streaked flanks, White throat with a prominent chestnut band, White undertail coverts, Inhabits high-altitude rocky and grassy slopes
Description
The Himalayan Snowcock is a large, partridge-like bird adapted to high-altitude environments. It typically forages on rocky slopes and alpine meadows, often in small groups, feeding on plant matter.
