Caspian Snowcock

Tetraogallus caspius (Gmelin, SG, 1784)

Caspian Snowcock, Tetraogallus caspius, is a pheasant relative of montane eastern Turkey, southern Georgia and Azerbaijan, and north-east to south-central Iran. It breeds on bare, stony slopes with some alpine scrub, and its nesting site is a scrape in the ground. The clutch contains 6–9 greenish eggs, and the female alone incubates them. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small flocks. Its plumage is grey, brown, white and black, but it appears pale grey at a distance, with white flight feathers and undertail in flight.

Order

Galliformes

Family

Phasianidae — Pheasants & Allies

Breeding range

Palearctic: montane c, e Turkey, s Georgia and Azerbaijan to ne, sc Iran