- The Himalayan quail, also called the mountain quail, belongs to the pheasant family. The male of the species is a dark grey with black speckles and a white forehead. The female is brownish, with dark streaks and a grayish brow. The red or yellow bill, long covert tail and prominent white spots around the eyes distinguish it from other quail species.
- The species has been known from only two locations in the western Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It was last sighted in 1876 near the hill station of Mussoorie. It is listed as critically endangered by the ICUN. A 2015 study suggested that the species might still be extant and that there might be some locations around Mussoorie where intensive surveys could be attempted.
- The Himalayan quail was a popular game bird. It was sought by British for their leisure hunting. Mass killing of the bird probably led to its decline around the 1870s, say scientists.
Picture Credit : Google
