Snowcock

Scientific name: Tetraogallus (genus with 5 species)
Size: 50–65 cm (20–26 inches) | Weighs over 2 kg (4.4 lbs)
Appearance: Large, bulky grey-brown bird with black spots, striking white belly and under-tail (visible in flight). Males and females look similar.
Habitat: The highest-living bird on Earth – rocky mountain slopes between 3,000–6,000 meters (up to 19,700 feet). In summer, found as high as 8,000 meters (26,200 feet).
Where found: High mountains of southern Eurasia – Caucasus, Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau, Altai Mountains, and western China.
Five species: Himalayan, Tibetan, Altai, Caucasian, and Caspian snowcock.
Diet: Mostly herbivorous – leaves, shoots, berries, seeds. Eats some insects.
Behavior: Lives in small flocks (10–20 birds). Diurnal (active by day). Posts sentry lookouts that scream an alarm call at danger.
Flight: Poor flier – runs uphill, launches, and glides down.
Lifespan: Unknown in wild, likely 5–10 years.
Conservation status: Least Concern (most species). Populations stable.
Main predators: Snow leopards, golden eagles, foxes, lynx.
Fun fact: Built to survive -40°C (-40°F) with thick, downy feathers.

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