Tibetan partridge
| Tibetan partridge | ||||||||||||
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Tibetan partridge ( Perdix hodgsoniae ) |
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| Perdix hodgsoniae | ||||||||||||
| ( Hodgson , 1857) |
The Tibetan partridge ( Perdix hodgsoniae ) is a species from the pheasant-like family. There are three subspecies. The main focus of its range are the plateaus of Tibet. Because of its large range, the species is not considered endangered.
Appearance
The Tibetan partridge reaches a size of 28 to 31 centimeters and weighs between 294 and 340 grams. It is gray-brown with a striped lower body and the head and chest are clearly different from the rest of the body's plumage. The face is white, the nape of the neck is maroon, and the ear patches are black. The beak is greenish horn-colored. The eyes brown to reddish brown. The areas behind the eyes are red, which is only noticeable in males during the breeding season.
Distribution area and habitat
The Tibetan partridge occurs mainly in western China and the neighboring regions. The species occurs sporadically on the north-western border of India with Tibet. It is also found in the north of Nepal, in the north of Sikkim and in the north-west of Bhutan. The main distribution center of the species is Tibet to the west of Sichuan and to the north of Gansu in China.
The habitat of the Tibetan partridge are mountain slopes and alpine valleys at altitudes between 3,600 and 4,250 meters above sea level. In summer it also occurs up to the snow line at heights of 5,600 meters and has been observed in Nepal in winter at 2,200 meters above sea level. It favors rocky regions with dwarf shrub growth as a habitat.
Habits
Outside the breeding season, the Tibetan partridge occurs in chains of 10 to 15 individuals. It is usually not very shy and is more likely to run away than to get caught when disturbed. Occasionally, however, they also fly open with a loud roar of wings. The chain then spreads in different directions and flies downhill if possible. The diet consists of various seeds and small invertebrates.
The Tibetan partridge is believed to be monogamous. The nest is a shallow, grass-lined hollow on the ground. The clutch usually contains eight to ten eggs. The breeding season usually falls between May and July.
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 .
Single receipts
- ↑ Madge et al., P. 231
Web links
- Perdix hodgsoniae inthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013.1. Listed by: BirdLife International, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2013.