Buff-throated Monal-Partridge
Tetraophasis szechenyii
Large terrestrial bird of alpine shrublands and meadows. Matte brown overall, with red skin around the eye, white barring on the back, rusty throat, and rusty flank striping. Forages in pairs in grassy areas near cover; male has a larger red eye patch than female and is marginally larger. Song is comprised of loud, squeaky, inflected clucks.
Identification
The Szechenyi's monal-partridge is a sexually monochromatic, medium-sized species of partridge. It has a distinct orange horizontal teardrop shaped eye ring, a light gold gorget, as well as a crest that it can occasionally flare up. The species has a grey upper chest and speckled orange and grey belly. They are usually 29–50 cm in length and weigh between 660-1790g.
Taxonomy
The common name, as well as the Latin binomial, of the Szechenyi's monal-partridge commemorates Graf Bela Szechenyi, a Hungarian explorer. Complete mitochondrial genome sequencing of the species places the Szechenyi's monal-partridge in the genus Tetraophasis in the family Phasianidae. Phylogenetic positioning of the Tetraophasis has been understudied, though there is strong support that it and genus Lophophorus are sister genera, forming a subclade with Tragopan.
- Scientific name
- Tetraophasis szechenyii
- Authority
- Madarász, G, 1885
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Tetraophasis
Range and habitat
The Szechenyi's monal-partridge is endemic to the high mountains (3350–4600 m) of western China, and is distributed in southeastern Tibet, southern Qinghai, western Sichuan and northwestern Yunnan. These birds mainly live in mixed coniferous forest, rhododendron shrubs, oak thickets, alpine meadows, and rocky ravines. The Szechenyi's monal-partridge are susceptible to a variety of both avian and mammalian predators around the area. Potential nocturnal avian predators include Père David's owl (Strix davidi) and tawny owls (Strix aluco). Mammalian predators include leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), Siberian weasels (Mustela sibirica) and mountain weasels (Mustela altaica).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Even though this species is in the Least Concern category by the current IUCN Red List; under the Red Book of China, it is currently considered as endangered and listed in Category I of the nationally protected animals. With Sichuan and Yunnan rapidly modernizing since the mid 70s, deforestation needs to be studied as a potential threat to this species. Logging companies have been clearing large areas of natural forest, with most of the trees being firs and spruce firs, which act as roosting sites for the Szechenyi's monal-partridge. In order to focus on conservation efforts for the Szechenyi's monal-partridge, more information on the species' ecology and habitat use is needed. This information is fundamental to determine its conservation status.
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Zigzag Heron
Zebrilus undulatus
Small, dark, rarely seen heron of forest. Plumage is entirely gray-brown with fine black vermiculations; young birds sport warmer tones. Occurs at low density in swampy forest, especially along densely vegetated riverbanks and in areas with much standing water. Stays close to cover and forages deliberately, walking slowly on the ground or ambushing prey from low perches, flicking tail continuously. May freeze or fly off awkwardly when startled. Heard more often than seen; song is a muffled hoot, repeated at long intervals, usually given before dawn or at dusk. Combination of small size, dark plumage and forest habitat should clinch identification.
Black-billed Seed-Finch
Sporophila atrirostris
Rare seed-eating bird found in wet, grassy areas (often near water) in lowlands and foothills east of the Andes. Note the very stout, dark bill. Male is black with a small white patch in the wing that may be concealed when perched. Brown female is not easily identified unless seen together with the male. She is smaller than female Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch, and tends to be slightly darker than female Large-billed Seed-Finch.
Blue-crowned Lorikeet
Vini australis
A mostly green lorikeet with a relatively rounded tail and bright orange bill and feet. Bright blue crown and large red throat patch are diagnostic. Widespread through most habitats, but nomadic, often traveling between islands in search of food. Unique within its range. Vocally distinctive, with a common high-pitched “seeEEE” call. Interaction calls are more complex reels of squeaking and squealing.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.