The Altai snowcock is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is found in western Mongolia and adjacent areas of China, Kazakhstan and Russia. Its natural habitat is boreal forests.
Region
Altai Mountains of Central Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high mountains of western Mongolia and adjacent Russia, Kazakhstan, and China, centered on the Altai range. It occupies open alpine and subalpine habitats, especially steep scree, rocky ridges, and grass-herb meadows above the treeline. Birds favor areas with nearby rock cover for escape and loafing. In winter they may descend slightly to windswept slopes where forage remains accessible.
Altitude Range
2000–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Altai snowcock is a large, mountain-dwelling gamebird that favors steep, rocky slopes above the treeline. Its cryptic gray-brown plumage blends perfectly with scree, and it often runs uphill before taking off with a loud, whirring flight. Outside the breeding season it forms small coveys, and its far-carrying whistles are a hallmark of dawn in the high Altai.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides
Social Behavior
Pairs hold territories during the breeding season and nest on the ground, typically under rocks or low vegetation. Clutches are laid in shallow scrapes lined with plant matter. After breeding, families join into small coveys that forage and roost together on safe ledges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Most vocal at dawn and dusk, giving loud, ringing whistles and piping calls that carry across valleys. Alarm calls are harsh clucks and cackles as birds flush uphill.
