Snow Partridge which is also known as Lerwa lerwa is a type of game bird in the pheasant family Phasianidae found widely distributed across the high-altitude Himalayan regions of India, Pakistan, Nepal and China.

Snow Partridge is the only species within its genus. The species is found in alpine pastures and open hillside above the tree-line but not in as bare rocky terrain as the Himalayan snow-cock and is not as wary as that species. The males and females look similar in plumage but males have a spur on their tarsus.

Structure of Snow Partridge
Snow Partridge appears grey above and chestnut below with bright red bill and legs and the upperparts finely barred in black and white. In flight the pattern of dark brown primaries and secondaries with a narrow trailing white margin make them somewhat like the much larger Tibetan snowcock. The 14 feathered tail is dark and barred in white. There is variation in the shade and some birds have a nearly black crown. The primaries and secondaries are brown and the breast is deep chestnut. The abdomen has more white and the lower flanks and feathers around the vent are barred brown and white. The under-tail coverts are chestnut with black shaft streaks and white tips. Young birds have the lower parts mottled and the barring less distinct. The tarsus is feathered on the front of the leg half-way to the toes. It measures 38 to 40 cm in length. The females weights 450-580 g; males, 550-700 grams.

Concentration of Snow Partridge
Snow partridge is found in the Himalayas from Pakistan to Arunachal Pradesh along the higher ranges, mainly 3000 to 5000 m (rarely below 2000 m) altitude. It is found above the tree line but not on as bare and stony terrain as the snowcocks. Although said to be found in Afghanistan, there is no evidence. The species is found over a large area is generally considered to be of low conservation concern. It is hunted to some extent, due to its habit of being more approachable than snowcock and has declined in population in some areas.

Residence of Snow Partridge
The usual habitat is alpine pastures, open grassy hillsides with grass, lichens, moss, ferns and rhododendrons. Is found among small snow-patches but not in as stony or bare ground as the snowcock. The birds however are very local in their distribution. The snow partridge is found is small groups, usually about 6 to 8 but up to 30 during the non-breeding season. When flushed, they usually fly up before scattering away with noisy wing beats. The flight is rapid and stirring. It has a habit of sunning itself on rocks during the midday. The call in the breeding season is said to resemble that of the grey francolin of the plains. It has been compared in habit to that of the ptarmigan. It is said to feed on mosses, lichens and the shoots of plants. It also swallows grit to aid digestion.

Breeding Season of Snow Partridge
The breeding season of Snow Partridge is May to July. The males are believed to be monogynous.

Nest of Snow Partridge
The nest of Snow Partridge is a scrape on a hill-side under some sheltering rock, either scratched out by themselves or already available. The nest is sometimes lined with moss but well concealed although given away by the male.

Eggs of Snow Partridge
About 3 to 5 eggs are laid and the female incubates while the male stands sentinel. Parent birds may use distraction displays to draw the attention of predators. They call in a comparatively softer lower note to the young, which respond with chicken-like cheep calls.