Himalayan Snowcock

Tetraogallus himalayensis Gray, GR, 1843

Himalayan Snowcock, Tetraogallus himalayensis, is a pheasant relative of the Himalayas. It lives on alpine pastures and steep rocky cliffs across its breeding range in the Palearctic. The bird is known for dropping down slopes to get away from danger. Its range overlaps with the slightly smaller Tibetan Snowcock in some areas. Birds from different regions vary in plumage, and around five subspecies have been recognised. It was introduced to the mountains of Nevada in the 1960s, and a feral population now survives in the Ruby Mountains.

Order

Galliformes

Family

Phasianidae — Pheasants & Allies

Breeding range

Palearctic: Himalayas