- Alectoris
image_width = 240px
image_caption =Chukar
regnum =Animal ia
phylum =Chordata
classis =Aves
ordo =Galliformes
familia =Phasianidae
genus = " Alectoris "
genus_authority = Kaup, 1829
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text."Alectoris", is a genus of
partridge s with representatives in southernEurope , northAfrica andArabia , and acrossAsia toTibet and westernChina . Members of the genus, notably theChukar andRed-legged Partridge , have been introduced to theUnited States ,Canada ,New Zealand andHawaii . In some countries, such asGreat Britain , hybrids between the two widespread introduced species are common.These are non-migratory
bird s of dry, open and often hilly country. The nest in a scantily lined ground scrape laying up to 20 eggs. They feed on a wide variety of seeds and someinsect food.These are rotund birds, typically with a light brown or grey back, grey breast and buff belly. The face is white or whitish with a dark gorget. They have has rufous-streaked flanks and red legs. When disturbed, they prefer to run rather than fly, but if necessary will fly a short distance on rounded wings.
pecies in taxonomic order
*
Arabian Partridge , "Alectoris melanocephala"
*Przevalski's Partridge , "Alectoris magna"
*Rock Partridge , "Alectoris graeca"
*Chukar , "Alectoris chukar"
*Philby's Partridge , "Alectoris philbyi"
*Barbary Partridge , "Alectoris barbara"
*Red-legged Partridge , "Alectoris rufa"A prehistoric species, "A. peii", is known form
China . Another one, "A. baryosefi", has been described fromEarly Pleistocene fossil s found atEl-`Ubeidiya (Jordan valley ),Israel .References
* Madge, Steve; McGowan, Philip J. K. & Kirwan, Guy M. (2002): "Pheasants, partridges and grouse : a guide to the pheasants, partridges, quails, grouse, guineafowl, buttonquails and sandgrouse of the world". Christopher Helm, London. ISBN 0-7136-3966-0
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