Tibetan snow cocks

The large partridgelike Tibetan snow cock, Tetraogallus tibetanus, ranging from about 3,660 to 5,300 meters, is one of the most conspicuous birds in the Qomolangma area. During the nonbreeding season these birds associate in small flocks, working over the open ground, looking for seeds and plant parts, including roots that they dig out with their beaks. Snow cocks are so heavy that to escape danger they either run uphill or leap into the air and dive downhill, sometimes gliding for long distances.