Mugwort
| Mugwort | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balzender mugwort Hahn |
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| Systematics | ||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||
| Centrocercus | ||||||||
| Swainson , 1837 |
The centrocercus ( Centrocercus ) are a species of bird from the family of pheasant-like (Phasianidae) used to order the chicken birds heard (Galliformes). Two species that are represented in North America are usually included in the genus today.
features
Mugworts are relatively large grouse . The mugwort , 65 to 75 cm long, weighs 3.5 to 4 kg, with the rooster being significantly larger than the hen. The plumage of both sexes is speckled gray-brown-white and dark on the underside. The tail feathers are very pointed, they are fanned out like rays and placed vertically over the back. In the male, the throat is colored black, while the large, white feathered throat pouches reach far down to the chest and frame the fluffed bird as a splendid "ruff". The rooster is also characterized by yellow bulges.
The Gunnison mugwort , which was not scientifically described until 2000, is very similar to the mugwort, but both sexes are about 30 percent smaller than the mugwort. The most striking difference to the mugwort is the striking horizontal stripes of the tail. It occurs exclusively in southwest Colorado and southeast Utah.
species
Two species are included in the genus.
- Mugwort , Centrocercus urophasianus , western North America
- Gunnison sagebrush , Centrocercus minimus , southwestern Colorado
supporting documents
literature
- Steve Madge , Phil McGowan, and Guy M. Kirwan : Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse. A Guide to the Pheasants, Partridges, Quails, Grouse, Guineafowl, Buttonquails and Sandgrouse of the world. Christopher Helm, London 2002, ISBN 0-7136-3966-0 .
