Caspian Snowcock
Tetraogallus caspius
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<birdfyi-bird slug="tetraogallus-caspius"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large Phasianidae snowcock (~2.33 kg) of high rocky mountains in Turkey, Iran, and the Zagros and Elburz ranges. Grey-brown with chestnut streaking; whiter below. Inhabits steep scree and alpine meadow above 2,500 m. Feeds on grasses, roots, and invertebrates. Strong flier when alarmed. Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 56.7 cm | 22.3 in |
| Weight | 2332.0 g | 82.26 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Grey-brown above with pale buff streaking; white underparts with dark flank streaks and rufous lateral neck patches; white outer tail feathers; whitish face; orange-red bill and legs. Closely resembles Himalayan Snowcock.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of rocky alpine and subalpine terrain from the Alborz Mountains (Iran) through the Zagros and Armenia to eastern Turkey, at 2,000–4,000 m.
Diet & Feeding
Eats alpine grasses, seeds, shoots, and berries; digs for roots and bulbs on rocky Caspian-region slopes.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 28-29 days. Fledging: 15-20 days.
Clutch Size
5-9
Sound
Song
Loud, whistled 'wheee-WHI-oo' series carrying across Iranian alpine plateaus; rich, melodic quality. Large size gives call fuller resonance. Alarm is rapid loud barking. Flocks call together at dawn.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Tetraogallus |
| Species | Tetraogallus caspius |
Distribution
Caspian Snowcock has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family