Caspian Snowcock

The Caspian snowcock, a member of the pheasant family Phasianidae, is a gallinaceous bird that presents a striking figure with its grey, brown, white, and black patterned plumage. From a distance, it appears predominantly pale grey. The bird's length ranges from 56 to 63 cm, with a wingspan of 95 to 105 cm, and it weighs between 1.8 to 2.9 kg. The breast is a soft grey, the throat and a patch on the side of the neck are white, and the nape is a dark grey hue.

Identification Tips

When observing the Caspian snowcock, note the pale grey breast and the contrasting white throat and neck patch. The nape's dark grey sets it apart, and in flight, the white flight feathers and undertail become visible. Both sexes have similar plumage, though juveniles are slightly smaller and less vivid. Variations in plumage saturation occur across the three races, with those found further east displaying paler feathers.

Habitat

This species is adapted to life at high altitudes, making its home in the mountains where it frequents bare stony ground interspersed with patches of alpine scrub. It thrives at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 meters.

Distribution

The Caspian snowcock is native to the mountainous regions of eastern Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Alborz Mountains of Northern Iran.

Behaviour

Outside of the breeding season, the Caspian snowcock is known to form small flocks. It is a wary bird, often difficult to approach in its rugged mountainous environment.

Song & Calls

The bird's song is a desolate, whistling tune, reminiscent of a Eurasian curlew, articulated as "sooo-looo-leeee." It is distinct from the Caucasian snowcock, lacking the drop in pitch at the end of its song. Its calls are characterized by loud cackles and a bubbled "buck-buck-buck-buck-burrrrrr."

Breeding

Breeding occurs at high altitudes where the Caspian snowcock lays 6-9 greenish eggs in a simple ground scrape. Incubation duties fall solely to the female.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Caspian snowcock consists primarily of seeds and vegetable matter, which it forages from its alpine habitat.

Conservation status

The Caspian snowcock is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, it does not face any immediate threat of extinction. It is also included in CITES Appendix I, reflecting international agreement to ensure that its trade does not threaten its survival.