Birds found in Kerala-RED SPURFOWL
RED SPURFOWL
scientific name:- Galloperdix Spadicea
Smaller than a jungle fowl,with darker more deeper reddish-brown coloured body is a forest bird.Although of the fowl family,(including domestic fowls) males don’t have the long sickle shaped tail feathers characterized in male members of the same family but is rather similar to the tail feathers of its female counterparts(small medium length feathers),nor does they have cockscomb’s in their head or throat like their domesticated cousins.They do have a distinct reddish skin exposed around their eyes which mainly helps us in distinguishing these creatures.
spurfowl male
They get their name ‘spurfowl’ from their distinctive spurs or nails behind their feet(facing backwards)with males usually seen having two to four of them,whereas the females found to have only one or two.
spurfowl female
Females are quite similar in appearance to males except for black lines cris-crossing their body.The feathers on their heads are longer than that of the body and are seen held raised like a ‘fan’.
male and female
Their habitat usually comprises of valleys,mountain sides,shrub forests and bamboo forests.extremely shy creatures,often seen only when they run from you covering in thick undergrowth.although with wings they prefer running than flying.they are quiet good runners on feet.behavior is similar to that of jungle fowls.they usually prefer tree branches while resting for the night rather than the ground for protection against night active hunters.their sounds resemble that of domesticated fowls but with shorter and deeper sounds.
male and female
They are usually seen in cashew plantations and near residential areas in north Kerala where they thrive and breed.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)