Codorniz de la selva

1. Bird Name: The Jungle Bush Quail (Perdicula asiatica)

2. Appearance: The Jungle Bush Quail is a unique bird species known for its very distinctive appearances. Males and females differ slightly in their coloration, an example of sexual dimorphism in bird species. This quail has an overall grey color with a bold white eyebrow and chestnut undertail-coverts. Specifically, the male’s lower breast and belly are tinted with light pink, while these areas are white in females. Both sexes showcase beautiful white scalloping on their bodies and a distinct black beak with a hint of greenish-blue. They have large, dark brown eyes that express alertness, adding to their striking appearance.

3. Size: Generally small, the Jungle Bush Quail measures about a compact 15-18 centimeters (6-7 inches) in length. Overall, they are quite lightweight, with an average weight range hovering between 70 and 100 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution: The Jungle Bush Quail is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. They are widely spread across regions of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, preferring open habitats where they can easily blend into their surroundings. Their preferred habitats include scrub jungles, grasslands, and sometimes, open hillside areas.

5. Interesting Facts: The Jungle Bush Quail’s survival technique involves running rather than flying when threatened, this is due to their ground-dwelling nature. These quails maintain very tidy nests and are known to kick out waste peelings of eaten seeds away from the nest. In Indian folklore, the Jungle Bush Quail’s calling tune heralds the setting of the sun.

6. Diet: Omnivores by nature, Jungle Bush Quails primarily feed on seeds, insects, and various types of plant matter. They possess a strong gizzard that enables them to efficiently digest plant matters, particularly seeds and grains.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Jungle Bush Quails have a peculiar, rapid gait that quickly carries them through unfavorable or exposed ground. Their primary call is a series of quick-whit, quick-whit sounds. During courtship, the male fluffs up his feathers, unfolding his tail and showing off his chestnut undertails to attract a mate.

8. Conservation Status: The Jungle Bush Quail is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List as it has a large range and appears to be stable with a healthy breeding population despite facing threats from habitat loss in some areas.

9. Lifespan: A Jungle Bush Quail’s lifespan is surprisingly elongated for such small birds, living up to an average of 8 years in the wild. Captive birds can sometimes live even longer with proper care.

10. Additional Notes: Locally, in India, the Jungle Bush Quail is known as “जंगली बटेर” in Hindi. They play a critical role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds through their diet, directly contributing to the growth of new vegetation. As ground breeders, they demonstrate a close relationship with their habitats, requiring stable grasslands or scrubby areas to thrive. Regular interactions with humans are limited, but they are sometimes hunted for their meat and interestingly, have a reputation for being difficult to shoot due to their swift running habits.