Iranian Ground-Jay
Podoces pleskei
Strange brownish corvid restricted to eastern Iran. Pinkish-buff overall, with a slightly decurved bill and black-and-white wing coverts. Also note black tail and black “badge” on chest. Inhabits flat sandy deserts with interspersed vegetation, where it forages on the ground in pairs or small flocks. Gives a series of high squeaky notes comparable to the sound of fingernails on a blackboard, typically in the early morning.
Identification
The Iranian ground jay (Podoces pleskei) or Pleske's ground jay, is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is endemic to Iran where it is known as zaghbur in Persian. The species is named after Russian zoologist Theodor Pleske.
Taxonomy
Genus: Podoces; Family: Corvidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Podoces pleskei
- Authority
- Zarudny, 1896
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Corvidae
- Genus
- Podoces
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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