Himalayan Quail

Travellers in north-west India may find the Himalayan Quail a difficult bird to spot, as it has not been seen with certainty since 1876. This medium-sized member of the pheasant family is identified by its red legs and bill. Differentiating the sexes is possible by their plumage; males are dark grey with a white forehead, while females are brownish with dark streaks. Both have a white mark positioned ahead of the eye and a larger white patch behind it. These birds possess a tail that is longer than those of most quails, nearly matching the length of their wings.

Historically, this species inhabited steep hillsides in the western Himalayas at elevations between 1,650 and 2,400 m. They favoured areas covered in brushwood and tall seed-grass, particularly on slopes facing the south or east. Records suggest they were present in these locations during the coldest and hottest times of the year but disappeared during the wet season from late June to mid-September. They lived in small coveys of six to ten birds and were known to feed on grass seeds.

Observers noted that these birds were reluctant to fly, usually only taking to the air when approached closely. When flushed, they emitted a shrill whistling note. Although their soft feathers suggest an adaptation to low temperatures, their short wings indicate they were likely not capable of flying long distances. The primary threat to their survival is that the locations where they once lived have been greatly altered by human activity. While some fear they are extinct, there is hope they may still exist in areas that have not been intensively surveyed.