Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius)

Caspian Snowcock

Caspian Snowcock is considered a mountainous indicator of birds and threatened in Iran. It is often inhabited in mountainous areas with an altitude of about 1,800-3,000 meters. It adapts to the hard winters of the mountain and its habitat is limited to rocky and hilly mountainous areas. Caspian Snowcock was introduced by the Department of Environment in 2008 as a symbol of the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.

This bird is very shy and cautious, and it is very difficult to approach it. It has round and short wings, which is why it prefers to jump faster than speed. When they feel threatened with constant whistling (most males whistle) make each other aware of the danger, and they are pegged in place for a moment. While they look carefully at their surroundings, they run fast and climb to the rocks.

The distribution of this species is in the highlands of north and west of Iran. Areas such as Semnan, Chaharmahal Bakhtiari, Arasbaran, Damavand, and Dena highlands in Iran are considered as Caspian Snowcock habitats.