The infrared camera installed in the Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Gansu Province captured moments of a Himalayan snowcock spawning and its eggs hatching. The female Himalayan snowcock was brooding its eggs as she plucked out feathers on her belly to keep them warm.

And the seven newborn chicks were found having feathers. They were able to stand and move as soon as their feathers dry. The mother snowcock led her babies to leave the nest and forage. 　

The Himalayan snowcock is a herbivorous bird, usually 50-65 centimeters long and weighs 2-2.5 kilograms. It lives in the mountains at an elevation of 2,500-5,500 meters. The Himalayan snowcock is under second-class protection in China.

(Cover image via VCG)

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