Xenoperdix

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Xenoperdix
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Xenoperdix
Dinesen, Lehmberg, Svendsen, Hansen & Fjeldså, 1994
Type species
Udzungwa Forest-partridge, Xenoperdix udzungwensis
Dinesen, Lehmberg, Svendsen, Hansen & Fjeldså, 1994

The genus Xenoperdix ("strange partridge"), described only in 1994, consist of two species of African partridges that are most closely related to Southeast Asian Hill Partridges.

They have boldly barred plumaged and a red bill. Xenoperdix are found only in forests of Udzungwa Mountains and the Rubeho Highlands of Tanzania. Previously believed to be monotypic, the Rubeho population was recognized as a distinct species following a review of its molecular and morphological characteristics (Bowie & Fjeldså, 2005).

[edit] Species

[edit] References

  • Bowie, Rauri C.K. & Fjeldså, Jon (2005): Genetic and morphological evidence for two species in the Udzungwa forest partridge. Journal of East African Natural History 94(1): 191–201. PDF fulltext