Photo: Martinov A.N. / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Caspian Snowcock
Tetraogallus caspius
Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius) — Gamebirds of Europe & Northern Asia.
The Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius) is a member of the Phasianidae family found in Europe & Northern Asia. Adults weigh 2.5 kg. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Galliformes
- Family Phasianidae Pheasants & Allies
- Genus Tetraogallus
- Species caspius
Where it lives
Montane central, eastern Turkey, southern Georgia and Azerbaijan to northeastern, south-central Iran
Quick facts
- Weight
- 2.5 kg
- Diet
- Plant-eaters
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Order
- Galliformes
- Habitat
- Grassland & open country
How to identify
Similar birds
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Caspian Snowcock feeds mainly on plant material such as leaves, buds and shoots.
Behaviour
A bird of rocky terrain, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Caspian Snowcock is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius) is a species of bird in the Phasianidae family, part of the order Galliformes. It occurs naturally across Europe & Northern Asia. Its distribution covers PAL montane c, e Turkey, s Georgia and Azerbaijan to ne, sc Iran.
It is a very large bird. Adults weighs around 2.5 kg, with a wing length of about 28.4 cm and a tail of around 17.2 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 314,000 km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Caspian Snowcock?
The Caspian Snowcock is a very large bird that weighs around 2.5 kg.
Where does the Caspian Snowcock live?
The Caspian Snowcock is found across Europe & Northern Asia with a range covering PAL montane c, e Turkey, s Georgia and Azerbaijan to ne, sc Iran, where it favours open grassland, scrub and lightly vegetated country.
What family does the Caspian Snowcock belong to?
The Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius) belongs to the Phasianidae family, in the order Galliformes.
What does the Caspian Snowcock eat?
The Caspian Snowcock feeds mainly on plant material such as leaves, buds and shoots.
Does the Caspian Snowcock migrate?
The Caspian Snowcock is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Caspian Snowcock endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
What sound does the Caspian Snowcock make?
1 real field recording of the Caspian Snowcock — including its duet — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Caspian Snowcock's range?
The Caspian Snowcock has a mapped global range of about 314,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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