Tibetan Snowcock

Tibetan Snowcock

　　The Tibetan Snowcock, also called "Fritillaria Chicken" by herders in northern Tibet, is phonetically translated as "Gongmo" in Tibetan. Its size is similar to that of a domestic chicken, weighing over 3 jin (about 1.5 kg), with males and females having the same plumage. The head and neck are brownish-gray; the wings feature a large white patch; the upper body is brown; the underparts are white; and there are darker bands around the forehead and chest. Due to their frequent activity in bare rock and scree areas, their foot pads grow thick and tough.

Tibetan Snowcocks often move in groups of 5 to 7 or even a dozen, and in winter these groups can grow to several dozen or even over a hundred individuals. They forage in areas where blue sheep have trampled through the snow, and sometimes venture near herders’ tents in search of food. Their diet is quite varied, mainly consisting of roots, leaves, fruits, and seeds of alpine plants, as well as weeds. Occasionally, they also peck at insects and small invertebrates.

The Tibetan Snowcock holds considerable economic and scientific research value. Currently, it is listed as a Class I endangered species in the International Endangered Animal Register, and has been designated as a Class II Key Protected Wildlife Species in China.