Przevalski's Partridge vs Caspian Snowcock
Alectoris magna compared with Tetraogallus caspius
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Przevalski's Partridge | Caspian Snowcock |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alectoris magna | Tetraogallus caspius |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae | Phasianidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 34.5 cm (13.6 in) | 56.7 cm (22.3 in) |
| Weight | 553.0 g (19.51 oz) | 2332.0 g (82.26 oz) |
| Diet | Eats seeds, plant material, and invertebrates in rocky terrain of northwestern China and Central Asia. | Eats alpine grasses, seeds, shoots, and berries; digs for roots and bulbs on rocky Caspian-region … |
| Clutch Size | 7-20 | 5-9 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Przevalski's Partridge
Loud, resonant 'chuck-chuck-CHURR' calls from Chinese loess plateau and Qinghai rocky terrain; lower and slightly fuller than Chukar. Alarm is rapid harsh cackle. Pairs call in duet at dawn.
Caspian Snowcock
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.
Geographic Range & Migration
Przevalski's Partridge
Resident of rocky semi-arid hillsides in northwestern China (Qinghai, Gansu, Xinjiang) and adjacent Mongolia, at 1,500–3,500 m.
Caspian Snowcock
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.
Conservation Status
Przevalski's Partridge
Caspian Snowcock
How to Tell Them Apart
Przevalski's Partridge
Large partridge; grey upperparts; white face and throat with narrow black gorget; broader and more distinct chestnut and white barring on flanks than Chukar; grey breast; red bill; larger overall …
Caspian Snowcock
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 …
About These Birds
Przevalski's Partridge
A large Phasianidae partridge (~553 g) of rocky semi-arid terrain and loess gullies in the Gansu corridor and adjacent Yellow River basin, northern China. Closely related to Chukar but notably larger. Feeds on seeds, leaves, and invertebrates. Tolerates cold winters; forms winter coveys. Least Concern.
Caspian Snowcock
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.