Identification
Grey and brown on the back with a beige bottom and tail tips, it has very distinctive and strong black lines on the sides. Its face is framed by a black line starting from the top of the beak, running across the eye and cheek and circling in front of the neck, which is white. The female is somewhat smaller in size. The beak, the thin skin around the eye and her legs are bright red.
Distribution - Habitat
It is a non-migratory species that occurs in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey and from there throughout central Asia to the Pacific coast. In some areas of its range it makes small-scale movements to lower altitudes in the winter period. It is found in areas up to an altitude of 4 000 metres.
It occupies areas with rocky cover and open low vegetation but also olive groves, vineyards and other crops.
In Greece it is considered a species of the islands and the north-eastern part of the country, although in recent decades, due to releases, it has spread to continental areas of the mainly southern part of the country. In Lesvos we will find it everywhere but it is most easily observed in the western part of our island
Interesting Information
- It feeds on plant material (bulbs, seeds, leaves, fruits) and insects that it finds by walking and digging in the ground.
- It is highly dependent on the presence of water, especially in the summer months. It can travel distances of 2-5 kilometres during the day to find water to drink.
- During the breeding period they can remain stationary on the ground and will not fly unless they get really close to the ground.
- It is usually found in groups of 10-15 individuals (family groups) which can become larger (up to 50 people) in winter.