Arabian partridge
Arabian partridge | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Galliformes |
Family: | Phasianidae |
Genus: | Alectoris |
Species: | A. melanocephala
|
Binomial name | |
Alectoris melanocephala (Rüppell, 1835)
|
The Arabian partridge (Alectoris melanocephala) is a species of
Description
Larger than other members of its genus, Alectoris, the Arabian partridge reaches a length of about 41 cm (16 in). The sexes are similar in appearance but males are a little larger than females weighing on average 724 grams (25.5 oz) against the female's 522 grams (18.4 oz). The crown and nape are black and there is a broad white band above the eye, separated from the white chin and upper throat by a narrow black line. This starts at the corner of the beak, passes below the eye and forms a "V" shape on the neck. The sides of the neck are pale brown and the body, wings and tail are bluish-grey with much dark barring on the flanks. The legs and beak are pink. Males have a knob on the tarsus (lower leg).[3][4]
Distribution and habitat
The Arabian partridge is native to southern
Behaviour
A ground-dwelling bird, it feeds on seeds, other plant material such as
Conservation status
The Arabian partridge has a wide range and is common in many parts of this. The total size of the population is unknown but the population trend appears to be steady. For these reasons, the
References
- ^ . Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ "Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala) (Rüppell, 1835)". AviBase. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
- ^ a b Cowell, Dan. "Arabian partridge (Alectoris melanocephala)". gbwf.org. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ a b c McGowan, P.J.K.; Kirwan, G.M. (2013). "Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala)". Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions. Retrieved 2014-09-25.
- ^ "Arabian Partridge spreads north". Birdguides. 1 March 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.