Caucasian Snowcock Tetraogallus caucasicus

Large and heavily-built gamebird of the Caucasus Mountains. Grayish overall, with a whitish face and throat. Also note coarse rusty-brown-and-white streaking on the back and sides. Inhabits the high rocky reaches of the mountains, from the forest’s upper limit up to the snowline; will move down the mountains in response to especially harsh winter snowstorms. Song is a loonlike, desolate, rising whistle. Gives loud “chuk” calls when alarmed.