(Tetraogallus tibetanus)

IUCN status : Least Concern

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Himalayan Snowcocks are birds that belongs to the pheasant family. They can reach 22 to 29 inches in length and 4.4 to 6.8 pounds in weight. Males are larger than females. Himalayan Snowcocks are unable to fly long distances because of their heavy body and rounded wings. When they wants to fly, Himalayan Snowcocks accelerate towards the highest point of the hill and jump into the air. They glide through the air and gradually descend to the ground. They are diurnal birds. Diet of Himalayan Snowcocks is based mostly on leaves, shoots, seed, fruit and berries. They occasionally eat insects. They are ground-nesting birds. Himalayan Snowcocks produce loud whistles and shrill, piping calls during the spring. They are silent during the winter. Natural enemies of Himalayan Snowcocks are Golden Eagles and Snow Leopards.