Overview
The Altai snowcock is a plump, partridge-like bird. The head and neck are slatey-grey and there is a partial dark collar at the base of the neck. The upperparts are grey with white spots and the tail is black. The chin, breast and belly are white. The throat has a breastband of grey with patches of black. The primary and secondary feathers are black, the former having white bases which show as a white flash in flight. The beak is yellowish brown and the legs and feet reddish brown.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Bird
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Tetraogallus
- Species
- altaicus
Habitat
Boreal forests and open mountainside above the tree line at altitudes usually ranging between 6,600 and 11,800 feet (2,000 and 3,600 meters).
Diet
Buds, shoots, roots, berries, insects, and small rodents.
Behavior
The Altai snowcock prefers an enviroment above the treeline.
Hunting
More information needed.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.