Perdicula is a small genus of quail in the family Phasianidae, containing four species that are collectively known as the bush quails.

Taxonomy

The generic name Perdicula is a Modern Latin diminutive of the genus Perdix, and means small partridge.[2] The two genera are not closely related, with Perdix belonging to the tribe Phasianini in subfamily Phasianinae, while Perdicula belongs to the tribe Coturnicini in the subfamily Pavoninae.

The genus contains the following four species:[3]

Image Scientific name Common name
Perdicula asiatica Jungle bush quail
Perdicula argoondah Rock bush quail
Perdicula erythrorhyncha Painted bush quail
Perdicula manipurensis Manipur bush quail

References

  1. ^ "Phasianidae". aviansystematics.org. The Trust for Avian Systematics. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
  2. ^ Jobling, James A. (2010). Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. Christopher Helm. pp. 297, 57. ISBN 978-1-4081-3326-2.
  3. ^ Madge, Steve; Phil, MacGowan (2010). Pheasants, Partridges, and Grouse: Including buttonquails, sandgrouse, and allies. London, United Kingdom: Christopher Helm. ISBN 978-1-4081-3565-5.