General

Himalayan Snowcock: Extremely wary ground dweller with white face and throat outlined with chestnut stripes, brown collar around neck, gray-brown overall with tan streaking on upperparts, white undertail coverts, gray bill and orange-red feet and legs. Females similar but paler, juveniles pale overall.

Range and Habitat

Himalayan Snowcock: Native Pakistan and Kashmir. Introduced to the Ruby Mountains in Nevada. Found in many places in the Ruby Mountains including Thomas Peak, Wines Peak, Ruby Dome, Mount Gilbert, Verdi Peak and Old Man on the Mountain. In the summer found toward the top of the ridges, and in the winter there have been sightings in the cliffs. Prefers mountains and wooded canyons.

Breeding and Nesting

Himalayan Snowcock: Seven to eleven brown spotted, brown gray eggs are laid in a nest lined with grass, twigs, and feathers, on the ground or in a pine tree. Incubated by female for 26 to 27 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Himalayan Snowcock: Forages for grass, shrubby plants, bulbs of various kinds, flowers, insects, and, seeds. Has an unusual pattern of feeding where it glides down the mountian in the morning and forages while walking back up.

Vocalization

Himalayan Snowcock: Has a melodic whistle or cry

Similar Species

Himalayan Snowcock: Dusky Grouse has gray plumage with orange-yellow combs above eyes.