Udzungwawachtel
| Udzungwawachtel | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Xenoperdix udzungwensis | ||||||||||||
| Dinesen , Lehmberg , Svendsen , Hansen & Fjeldså , 1994 |
The Udzungwawachtel ( Xenoperdix udzungwensis ) is a species from the pheasant-like family . The species was not scientifically described until 1994. It occurs exclusively in Tanzania . Steve Madge calls it one of the most exciting ornithological discoveries of the late 20th century. An ornithologist noticed the sporeless legs of this chicken in a Tanzanian forest camp . This stimulated research led to the discovery of the genus Xenoperdix , to which the Rubehowachtel , which was initially thought to be a subspecies of the Udzungwawel, is now included in addition to the Udzungwawachtel .
Appearance
Udzungwa quails reach a body length of 29 centimeters and weigh 220 grams. There is no gender dimorphism. Both sexes have black foreheads. The top of the head and the nape of the neck are olive brown. The chin and throat and parts of the ear patches are reddish. A spot behind the eyes is reddish brown with darker stripes. The chest, flanks and underside of the body are gray, with each feather having an oval black spot. The top of the body is olive brown with reddish brown and black horizontal stripes.
Overall, the Udzungwa quail has characteristics that are more in line with pheasant birds common in Asia. It is therefore believed that, like the Congo peacock, it is a relic from the Miocene , when the Tethys Ocean briefly closed and an exchange of animals between Africa and India could take place. In the meantime, the relationship between the forest genus Xenoperdix , to which the Udzungwa quail belongs, and the Southeast Asian wood partridges has also been proven on the basis of genetic analyzes .
Distribution and way of life
The Udzungwa quail is found only in a few mountains in Tanzania. Their habitat are evergreen mountain forests at altitudes between 1350 and 1950 meters. The Udzungwa quail usually lives in small groups of up to eight individuals. However, individual Udzungwa quails are also observed. The Udzungwawel finds its food by scratching on the forest floor. The diet consists largely of invertebrates and some seeds.
supporting documents
literature
- Dominic Couzens : Rare Birds - Survivors, Evolution Losers and the Lost. Haupt Verlag, Bern 2011, ISBN 978-3-258-07629-4 .
- 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
- ↑ 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 , p. 252
- ↑ Bowie, Rauri CK & Fjeldså, Jon (2005): Genetic and morphological evidence for two species in the Udzungwa forest partridge. Journal of East African Natural History 94 (1): 191-201. doi : 10.2982 / 0012-8317 (2005) 94 [191: GAMEFT] 2.0.CO; 2
- ↑ Couzon, p. 183
- ↑ Couzon, pp. 183-185
Web link
- Xenoperdix udzungwensis inthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013.2. Listed by: BirdLife International, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2014.