Himalayan Snowcock
Tetraogallus himalayensis
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About
A large Phasianidae snowcock (~2.47 kg) of rocky subalpine and alpine zones across the Himalayas and Central Asian ranges at 3,000–5,500 m. White-and-grey plumage with chestnut neck stripes. Gregarious in winter flocks; feeds on alpine plants, roots, and invertebrates. Introduced to Nevada; Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 56.0 cm | 22.0 in |
| Weight | 2471.5 g | 87.18 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Grey-brown upperparts with pale buff streaks; white underparts boldly marked with chestnut lateral neck stripes; dark grey breast-band; white outer tail feathers conspicuous in flight; orange-red bill.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of rocky alpine slopes from Kazakhstan and Afghanistan east through the Karakoram and Himalayas to western China, at 3,000–5,500 m.
Diet & Feeding
Forages on seeds, alpine grasses, shoots, berries, and invertebrates; digs for roots in Himalayan snowfields.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 30 days.
Clutch Size
5-10
Sound
Song
Loud 'whi-WHEEEOO' whistles carrying across Himalayan valleys from high-altitude scree slopes. Far-carrying, slightly mournful quality. Alarm is rapid barking 'kak'; flocks noisy when disturbed.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Tetraogallus |
| Species | Tetraogallus himalayensis |
Distribution
Himalayan Snowcock has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Himalayan Snowcock eat?
Where does the Himalayan Snowcock live?
Is the Himalayan Snowcock endangered?
How does the Himalayan Snowcock nest?
What does the Himalayan Snowcock sound like?
How big is the Himalayan Snowcock?
What order and family does the Himalayan Snowcock belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family