Caucasian Snowcock

Tetraogallus caucasicus (Pallas, 1811)

Caucasian Snowcock, Tetraogallus caucasicus, breeds in the high Caucasus of south-west Russia, northern Georgia and northern Azerbaijan. It is a pheasant relative of steep, stony mountain ground, where it nests in a scrape on bare earth. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small flocks. Its plumage is grey at a distance, with darker underparts, ruddier flanks, a white throat and neck side, and a rust-coloured nape. In flight it shows white flight feathers and undertail, with reddish tail sides. It feeds on seeds and other plant matter.

Order

Galliformes

Family

Phasianidae — Pheasants & Allies

Breeding range

Palearctic: high-montane Caucasus of sw Russia, n Georgia and n Azerbaijan