Himalayan Snowcock

The Himalayan snowcock, Tetraogallus himalayensis, is a robust bird of the pheasant family, Phasianidae, that resembles a large grey partridge. It measures between 55 to 74 centimeters in length and tips the scales at a substantial 2 to 3.1 kilograms. Both sexes share similar plumage, though the female is slightly smaller and lacks the male's prominent tarsal spur.

Identification Tips

This species boasts a distinctive head pattern akin to the smaller chukar partridge, with a white throat and head sides framed by a chestnut moustachial stripe and a dark, broad chestnut band that extends from the eye over the ear into a collar. The upper parts are grey, with rufous-bordered feathers on the rump and wings. The upper breast is grey with dark crescent bars, while the lower breast is dark grey. The body sides are streaked with black, chestnut, and white, and the undertail coverts are white. The legs and orbital skin are yellow. In flight, the white primaries tipped in black and the rufous outer tail feathers are unmistakable.

Habitat

The Himalayan snowcock is found on alpine pastures and steep rocky cliffs, preferring open country and often seen on hill sides.

Distribution

Native to the Himalayan ranges and parts of the adjoining Pamir range of Asia, this bird is also found in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada, USA, where a wild population has established following introductions in the 1960s.

Behaviour

These birds are gregarious outside of the breeding season, forming small groups. They are adept at navigating their mountainous habitat, feeding on grass, shoots, berries, and seeds. When threatened, they exhibit a remarkable escape tactic, diving down slopes on open wings if approached from above, or scrambling uphill if approached from below.

Song & Calls

The Himalayan snowcock's call is a loud, three-part whistle with an ascending tone, becoming a familiar sound in spring. They also emit a rising, shrill piping call.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from April to June. The male performs a courtship display, crouching low with wings slightly spread and tail depressed. Nests are simple ground scrapes, often sheltered by stones or bushes. Females lay 5 to 12 olive or brown eggs, spotted with red or brown, and incubate them alone.

Similar Species

The Tibetan snowcock is similar but can be distinguished by its wing pattern, which features a white trailing edge to the secondaries contrasting with the grey wings.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet includes berries of Ephedra, leaves of Artemisia, grass shoots, bulbs, and the heads of a rye-like grass. They forage by walking uphill, picking food along the way, and then flying to an adjacent hill to continue feeding.

Conservation status

The Himalayan snowcock is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, with no significant population declines noted across its large distribution range.