The Ophrysia superciliosa (scientific name) or Himalayan quail is found in two locations in India, i.e. the Western Himalayas, Uttarakhand and North-West India. However, since its last siting in 1876 in Mussoourie, this bird is feared to be extinct. There is sexual dimorphism in the species, with the male having dark grey plumage and whitish streaks and the female having brownish plumage with whitish streaks. It has long tail coverts and 10 odd longer tail feathers. Both the beak and the legs are stark red. Its diet is assumed to be comprised of grass seeds and insects. With very little knowledge about its breeding habits, it is assumed (not confirmed) that an average clutch has 10-16 eggs, incubated for 21 odd days. Its IUCN listing is CRITICALLY ENDANGERED.
Himalayan Quail
