Perdix
| Perdix | |
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Grey partridge | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Galliformes |
| Family: | Phasianidae |
| Subfamily: | Perdicinae |
| Genus: |
Perdix Brisson, 1760 |
| Species | |
|
P. perdix |
|
P. perdix
P. dauurica
P. hodgsoniae
Perdix is a genus of Galliform gamebirds known collectively as the 'true partridges'. The genus name is the Latin for "partridge", and is itself derived from Ancient Greek perdix. These birds are unrelated to the subtropical species that have been named after the partridge due to similar size and morphology. There are representatives of Perdix in most of temperate Europe and Asia. One member of the genus, the grey partridge, has been introduced to the United States and Canada for the purpose of hunting. They are closely related to grouse, koklass, quail and pheasants
These are non-migratory birds of the steppes and similar open country, though nowadays they are more associated with agricultural land. The nest is a linedground scrape in or near cover. They feed on a wide variety of seeds and some insect food.
These are medium-sized partridges with dull-coloured bills and legs, streaked brown upperparts, and tails with barring on the flanks. Neither sex has spurs on the legs, and the only plumage distinction is that females tend to be duller in appearance.
Grey and Daurian partridges are very closely related and similar in appearance, and form a superspecies. Tibetan partridge has a striking black and white face pattern, black breast barring and 16 tail feathers instead of the 18 of the other species.
None of the species is threatened on a global scale, but the two more widespread partridges are over-hunted in parts of their range. The grey partridge has been badly affected by agricultural changes, and its range has contracted considerably.
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Wikipedia