The Manipur Bush Quail (Perdicula manipurensis) is a small, ground-dwelling bird that is endemic to the Indian state of Manipur. It belongs to the Phasianidae family and is a close relative of other quail species found in the region.
The Manipur Bush Quail is a beautiful bird with distinctive markings on its body. The male bird is smaller than the female and has a brown crown, nape, and back with streaks of white and black. The female bird has a dull brown plumage with fewer markings. Both male and female birds have a white throat and belly and a small black patch on their chest. The Manipur Bush Quail has a short tail and strong legs that are adapted for walking on the ground.
The Manipur Bush Quail is a shy and elusive bird that inhabits dense shrubs and thickets in the forests of Manipur. The bird is highly adapted to the forest habitat, moving quickly and quietly on its strong legs, and can be difficult to spot even by a trained eye. They make a series of characteristic calls to communicate with each other and are mostly active during the early morning or late afternoon.
The Manipur Bush Quail feeds on seeds, insects, and small invertebrates found in the forest. The bird is known to be monogamous and pairs up during the breeding season, which occurs from April to October. The female lays 4-5 eggs in a nest on the ground, where they are incubated for around 3 weeks. The chicks are precocial and can walk and feed themselves soon after hatching.
Although the Manipur Bush Quail is considered to be a Least Concern species according to the IUCN Red List, it faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and trapping for the pet trade. Conservation efforts are underway to protect its natural habitat and raise awareness about the bird's ecological importance.
In conclusion, the Manipur Bush Quail is a fascinating bird that is highly adaptable to its forest habitat. Its distinctive markings, secretive nature, and characteristic calls make it a unique addition to the avian fauna of India. The bird's survival depends on the conservation efforts to protect its habitat from anthropogenic activities.