Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa)
Justification The threatened status of this enigmatic quail is extremely difficult to judge given the paucity of information. If not extinct, its population is likely to be tiny, and inference therefore points to its classification as Critical.
Identification 25 cm. Rather nondescript quail with red bill and legs. Male greyish overall, with black face and throat and white forehead and narrow supercilium. Female has dark-marked brown upperparts, buffish head-sides and underparts and contrasting dark mask and dark streaks on breast to vent. Similar spp. Female primarily told from other quails by combination of size, red bill and legs and heavy underpart streaking. Voice Shrill whistle.
Range & Population Ophrysia superciliosa is known only from the western Himalayas in north Uttar Pradesh, north-west India, where about a dozen specimens were collected near Mussooree and Naini Tal prior to 1877. Field observations during the mid-19th century suggest that it may have been relatively common, but it was certainly rare by the late 1800s, potentially indicating a population decline. The lack of records for over a century suggests that the species may be extinct, although there have been few well-organised searches for it. The chances that a small population survives in some remote area in the lower or middle Himalayan range seem slim.
Ecology It was recorded in long grass and scrub on steep hillsides, particularly south-facing slope crests, between 1,650 m and 2,400 m. Generally encountered in coveys of 6-12 birds, it was extremely elusive, never flying except when almost stepped on. It is unclear whether it was sedentary or a short-distance migrant. It was only recorded around Mussoorie and Naini Tal hill stations during the winter months, suggesting it may breed at higher altitudes.
Threats The species was last seen 60 years before independence, indicating hunting levels during the colonial period contributed significantly to its decline. Widespread land-use changes thereafter, particularly open cast mining for limestone and related disturbance, are other likely contributory factors to its decline. Its contact call was apparently heard frequently in November and appears to have aided hunters to locate them. It is also hypothesised that habitat changes at lower elevations during the post-pleistocene glaciation might have pushed subpopulations to suboptimal higher elevations, causing local extinctions.
Action There have been a number of official and unofficial attempts to rediscover the species, covering some of the most suitable areas around Mussoorie and Naini Tal. However, none have yet been successful.
