Partridges
| Partridges | ||||||||
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Two representatives of the partridge ( Perdix perdix ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||
| Perdix | ||||||||
| Brisson , 1760 |
The partridge ( Perdix ) are a species of bird from the family of pheasant-like (Phasianidae) used to order the chicken birds heard (Galliformes). With three species, partridges are distributed over large areas of Eurasia , open areas are preferred by them. They are about the size of a dove and are characterized by a stocky, round-winged and round-tailed figure. Males and females are similar to each other.
features
Partridges are medium-sized partridges. All species have matt-colored beaks and legs. On the top they are dashed and banded in matt brown. Their tail is red-brown, the flanks are banded with rust-brown. There is a dark spot on the chest. The three types are closely related to each other. Perdix perdix and Perdix daurica are particularly similar and are sister species . Both have 18 tail feathers . Perdix hodgsoniae not only differs in head and breast patterns, this species only has 16 tail feathers. There are no spores . There is no clear sexual dimorphism , females are a little more monotonous in color.
Phylogeny and Systematics
Traditionally, the partridges were classified in a subfamily "Partridge" (Perdicinae), but this position has become untenable due to genetic analyzes. Newer analyzes have not enabled a reliable assignment. Possible sister groups could either be the real pheasants (the subfamily Phasianidae) or the blood pheasant ( Ithaginis cruentus ).
species
- Partridge ( Perdix )
- Partridge ( P. perdix ) - 7 or more subspecies depending on the source .
- Bearded partridge ( P. daurica ) - at least 2 subspecies.
- Tibetan partridge ( P. hodgsoniae ) - 3 subspecies.
literature
- Heinz-Sigurd Raethel : quail, partridge, stone fowl, francoline and relatives. Reutlingen publishing house, Reutlingen 1996, ISBN 3-88627-155-2 .
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d e Phil McGowan, Steve Madge: Pheasants, Partridges & Grouse: Including buttonquails, sandgrouse and allies. Christopher Helm, 2002, ISBN 978-0713639667 , p. 227.
- ↑ Xin-kang Bao, Nai-fa Liu, Jiang-yong Qu, Xiao-li Wang, Bei An, Long-ying Wen, Sen Song (2010): The phylogenetic position and speciation dynamics of the genus Perdix (Phasianidae, Galliformes) . Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 56: 840-847. doi : 10.1016 / j.ympev.2010.03.038
