Perdicula manipurensis
The Manipur Bush Quail (*Perdicula manipurensis*) is a notoriously shy and elusive gamebird, famously considered a "lost bird" for over a century until its rediscovery in 2006. Measuring approximately 19 cm (7.5 inches) in length, it is a small, rufous-brown quail with distinctive white streaking on its breast and flanks, a pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe), and a white throat, differentiating it from other bush quails. Taxonomically, it belongs to the genus *Perdicula* within the Phasianidae...
Inhabits dense, tall grasslands, often marshy or boggy, within lowland and submontane plains up to 1,000 meters elevation.
Primarily consists of grass seeds, small berries, and various invertebrates such as termites, ants, and grubs, foraged by scratching through ground litter.
Due to its extreme rarity and secretive nature, direct observations of the Manipur Bush Quail's behavior are exceedingly scarce. It is presumed to be diurnal, spending its days foraging covertly within the dense undergrowth. Like other bush quails, it likely scratches at the ground litter for foo...
The Manipur Bush Quail's historical range is thought to have encompassed parts of Northeast India (Manipur, Assam, Nagaland) and potentially adjacent areas of Myanmar. However, its current confirmed breeding and resident range is extremely restricted, primarily confined to a few isolated pockets ...
Critically Endangered
- The Manipur Bush Quail was considered a "lost bird" for 118 years, with no confirmed sightings between 1907 and 2006. - Its rediscovery in 2006 near Imphal, Manipur, sent ripples of excitement through the ornithological community. - It is one of the most poorly known gamebirds in the world, wit...