Photo: Martinov A.N. / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Caucasian Snowcock
Tetraogallus caucasicus
Caucasian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caucasicus) — Gamebirds of Europe & Northern Asia.
The Caucasian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caucasicus) is a member of the Phasianidae family found in Europe & Northern Asia. Adults weigh 1.8 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 caucasicus
Where it lives
High-montane Caucasus of southwestern Russia, northern Georgia and northern Azerbaijan
Quick facts
- Weight
- 1.8 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 Caucasian 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 Caucasian Snowcock is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Caucasian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caucasicus) belongs to the Phasianidae family of the order Galliformes. Its range spans Europe & Northern Asia. Its distribution covers PAL high-montane Caucasus of sw Russia, n Georgia and n Azerbaijan.
It is a very large bird. Adults weighs around 1.8 kg, with a wing length of about 25.7 cm and a tail of around 16.3 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 23,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Caucasian Snowcock?
The Caucasian Snowcock is a very large bird that weighs around 1.8 kg.
Where does the Caucasian Snowcock live?
The Caucasian Snowcock is found across Europe & Northern Asia with a range covering PAL high-montane Caucasus of sw Russia, n Georgia and n Azerbaijan, where it favours open grassland, scrub and lightly vegetated country.
What family does the Caucasian Snowcock belong to?
The Caucasian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caucasicus) belongs to the Phasianidae family, in the order Galliformes.
What does the Caucasian Snowcock eat?
The Caucasian Snowcock feeds mainly on plant material such as leaves, buds and shoots.
Does the Caucasian Snowcock migrate?
The Caucasian Snowcock is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Caucasian 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 Caucasian Snowcock make?
1 real field recording of the Caucasian Snowcock — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Caucasian Snowcock's range?
The Caucasian Snowcock has a mapped global range of about 23,000 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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