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Scleroptila psilolaema

2023-02-05 13:44:58 101

Scleroptila psilolaema Life habits and morphological characteristics

The highland Partridge is 30-35 cm long and weighs 360-530 grams. Both sexes are the same, but the females have no spacing. The crown and nape of the adult bird are dark brown with pale yellow spots. There are many black markings on the sides of the head and neck. Black spots appear below the chest, and the rest of the lower body is a splattered chestnut color with tiny spots and black streaks. The upper body is dark brown with red and light stripes. The primary and secondary feathers are bright red, with faint grayish-brown ends. The tail is dark brown with glossy stripes. The beak is dark brown, with yellow spots on the bottom of the lower jaw, brown legs and claws, and pale yellow irises.

Scleroptila psilolaema Distribution range and habitat

It is found in Ethiopia.
It lives in mountainous wastelands and heathlands between 2400-4000 meters above sea level. They live at an altitude of 1600 meters. Prefers to forage near bushes rather than out in the open. Live near wet grass or reed beds near small open alpine lakes.

Scleroptila psilolaema Detailed Introduction

The Highland ringnecked Partridge (Scleroptila psilolaema) is Moorland Francolin, no subspecies.

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Highland ringnecked partridges are usually grouped in pairs or family groups. It is a particularly timid and cautious bird, preferring to forage near bushes rather than in the open. If it sees a dangerous situation, it will quickly run into the low grass and only come out when the intruder has left. It can also fly very fast in an emergency and can travel considerable distances in the air. It feeds on weeds, roots, seeds, young leaves and crops, as well as insects and invertebrates.

Highland ringnecked partridges are monogamous, generally during the dry season following the rainy season. The nest is built on the ground hidden in dense grass. Each clutch lays 5 eggs.  

Listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016 Red List of Threatened Species ver 3.1 - Near Threatened (NT).


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