Snow Partridge

The snow partridge, known scientifically as Lerwa lerwa, is a member of the pheasant family Phasianidae. This bird is the sole representative of its genus and is considered the most basal member of the "erectile clade" within the subfamily Phasianinae. It presents a striking appearance with its grey upperparts and rich chestnut underparts, complemented by a bright red bill and legs. The plumage is finely barred with black and white, and in flight, one can observe the dark brown primaries and secondaries edged with a narrow white margin. The tail, consisting of 14 feathers, is dark with white barring.

Identification Tips

Adult snow partridges measure between 38 to 40 centimeters in length. Females typically weigh between 450 to 580 grams, while males are slightly heavier, ranging from 550 to 700 grams. Both sexes share similar plumage, but males can be distinguished by a spur on their tarsus. The young are mottled with less distinct barring, and downy chicks resemble those of the blood pheasant, with feathered tarsi and feather-covered nostril openings.

Habitat

The snow partridge favors alpine pastures and open grassy hillsides adorned with grass, lichens, moss, ferns, and rhododendrons. It thrives above the treeline but avoids the barren, rocky terrain preferred by the Himalayan snowcock.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across the high-altitude Himalayan regions, spanning from Pakistan to Arunachal Pradesh, typically found at altitudes ranging from 3000 to 5000 meters, and occasionally as low as 2000 meters.

Behaviour

Snow partridges are gregarious, forming small groups of about 6 to 8 individuals, which can expand up to 30 during the non-breeding season. When disturbed, they take to the air with noisy wingbeats before scattering. They enjoy basking on sunlit rocks during midday. Their breeding calls are reminiscent of the grey francolin's, and their feeding habits include consuming mosses, lichens, berries, and plant shoots, along with grit to aid digestion.

Song & Calls

During the breeding season, the snow partridge's call is likened to that of the grey francolin. The communication between parents and offspring involves softer, lower notes from the adults and cheep calls from the chicks.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from May to July. Males are believed to be monogamous. Nests are simple scrapes on hillsides, often concealed by vegetation, and sometimes lined with moss. Females lay 3 to 5 pale yellow eggs with reddish-brown markings and are solely responsible for incubation, while males act as sentinels.

Similar Species

The snow partridge can be confused with the Tibetan snowcock, but it is distinguished by its smaller size and the unique pattern of its primaries and secondaries in flight.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the snow partridge consists of mosses, lichens, berries, and plant shoots. They also ingest grit to facilitate digestion.

Conservation status

The snow partridge is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Despite being hunted due to its less wary nature compared to the snowcock, it is not considered to be at significant risk, although local population declines have been noted.