Caspian Snowcock

Tetraogallus caspius

(T. c. caspius)

Armenian Name:	Վայրի հնդկահավ (ուլար)
Species Status:	Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 20 for Caspian Snowcock and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	58-62 cm, Wing Span:95-105 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 90.
Description:	Huge snow partridge found only in alpine and subalpine zones. Appears gray overall with fine red-brown, yellow-brown, and black markings on wing coverts and underparts. Chin and throat white, with gray cheek stripe and necklace. Upper breast bluish-gray sparsely spotted with brown. White wing stripe very conspicuous in flight. Females and juveniles smaller, more yellowish-brown on head and neck.
Behavior:	Glides rapidly down slopes on stiff wings before landing on broken rocky ground where very difficult to see; walks slowly back uphill, feeding along the way. Sunbathes on huge boulders. Usually indicates presence with a loud piercing whistle, audible for up to one kilometer.
Habitat:	Steep alpine meadows with numerous rock outcroppings and stony slopes. Occurs at 2400-3900m, remaining at high elevations even during winter.
Food:	Plants including seeds, roots, and bulbs.
Nest:	Cup of dry grass lined with feathers, usually placed under overhanging rock, in crevice, or within tussock of grass.
Eggs:	66 mm, 6-9, gray-green, darker blotches.