Altai Snowcock

The Altai snowcock is a plump, partridge-like bird. While most snowcocks are similar in size, the Altai might be the largest species with a length of around 57 to 61 cm (22 to 24 in) and a mean body mass of approximately 2.54 kg (5.6 lb) in females and 3 kg (6.6 lb) in males. 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.

The Altai snowcock is native to the mountain ranges of western Mongolia and southwestern Siberia. Its range includes in Russia the mountainous regions near Abakan, Sayan Mountains and the Tannu-Ola Mountains; and in Mongolia, the Mongolian Altai, the Govi-Altai, the Khangai Mountains, and the mountains east of Lake Khuvsgul. The habitat is open mountainside above the tree line at altitudes usually ranging between 2,000 and 3,600 metres (6,600 and 11,800 ft).

The Altai snowcock feeds on buds, shoots, roots, berries and insects and it also occasionally eats small rodents. About forty different species of plants have been recorded to be part of the diet.