This is a Chinese painted quail (you see? You're riveted already; admit it). This bird spends most of its time on the ground, which is just as well, since when it takes off, it flies in a straight line until it bumps into something.
This poses one or two interesting questions, the major one being: if this bird is only capable of flying in a straight line, why is it not obsolete? After all, there are only so many times you can bump into things (while flying) without sustaining fatal injuries. Even the dodo didn't fly into things, and look what happened to that.
There. You've learnt something today, haven't you? And I haven't even mentioned the R word.
You're welcome.
It looks very pretty. I feel stupid never having heard of such a unique creature.
ReplyDeleteAdrian, I think it's you who are unique, and the bird stupid.
DeleteIt really looks as if painted, doesn't it! Very pretty, and it is indeed strange that it is still around and has not yet been rooted out by evolution.
ReplyDeletePainting by numbers springs to mind, Meike.
DeleteI'm not sure whether to find this hopeful or not! :)
ReplyDeleteDT, it depends on whether or not you fly in a straight line....
DeleteA failed attempt was made to introduce this species to New Zealand in the 1890s. I guess that's because they couldn't turn corners.
ReplyDeleteI can't understand why anyone would want to introduce such a useless creature anywhere, Maggie. I think NZ is better off without them.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that. I wonder if it applies to all quail. I might well investigate if I don't forget.
ReplyDeleteNo. I think this one is unique, Patsy.
DeleteKnowing the many and varied reasons that some creatures have been introduced to places it could be that lazy 'sportsmen' decided that a bird that could only fly in a straight line would be easier to shoot.
ReplyDelete