Iranian ground jay

Iranian ground jay
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Corvidae
Genus:	Podoces
Species:	P. pleskei
Binomial name
Podoces pleskei Zarudny, 1896

The Iranian ground jay (Podoces pleskei) or Pleske's ground jay, is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. It is endemic to Iran where it is known as zaghbur in Persian. The species is named after Russian zoologist Theodor Pleske. ^[2]

The Iranian ground jay body is sandy brown in colour. Their wings are striped in black and white. Their stick-like legs are very well balanced. They have beady, glossy eyes. Their beak is smooth and sharp. Their body is covered in short feathers which makes their body look and feel fluffy. The Iranian ground jay usually lives in arid areas. They are a protected species in Iran but under threat of habitat destruction.

Distribution and habitat

The Iranian ground jay is endemic to Iran, primarily inhabiting desert and semi-desert areas across the central plateau. It has been recorded in provinces including Yazd, Kerman, Semnan, Esfahan, Fars, Sistan and Baluchestan, and South Khorasan. ^[3] The birds are usually found at elevations between 800 and 1900 meters above sea level. Habitat loss due to overgrazing, cutting of shrubs, and agricultural expansion is a major threat to their population. ^[3]

Behaviour and breeding

The bird is a terrestrial and monogamous species, adapted to arid environments. It is known for its fast running, erratic movements, and the ability to climb shrubs for foraging and nesting. Pairs maintain breeding territories, and both sexes contribute to nest defense, although the female is primarily responsible for incubation.

Breeding typically occurs between February and early May, with nests built 30–80 cm above ground in dense shrubs such as Atraphaxis spinosa, Ephedra intermedia, and Zygophyllum eurypterum. Clutches usually contain 3 to 5 eggs, with an average incubation period of around 17 days. ^[4] Chicks fledge approximately 18 days after hatching. Egg-laying occurs in early march. ^[5]

Vocalizations are important in the species' communication and territorial displays. The Iranian ground jay produces a variety of calls, including a distinctive slow trill composed of long, high-pitched elements. Comparative vocal studies support the classification of the Iranian ground jay and its relatives in the genus Podoces, distinguishing them from the Eupodoces group, which includes the Mongolian ground jay and Xinjiang ground jay. ^[6]

In culture

In some parts of Iran, including Turan National Park, the Iranian ground jay is colloquially known as Ahmagh Davan (Persian: ااحمق دوان), meaning "the running fool," a name inspired by its fast, erratic running movements and elusive behavior. ^[7]

References

1. "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2024-06-12. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
2. Khaleghizadeh, Abolghasem; Roselaar, Kees; Scott, Derek A. (2017). Birds of Iran: annotated Checklist of the Species and Subspecies. Iranshenasi Publisher (1st ed.). Tehran: IRANSHENASI Publishing. ISBN   978-600-8351-10-8. Podoces pleskei Zarudny, 1896 [...] Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 2015), small total world range with an important population in the Middle East (Evans 1994), non-protected species (Parliamentary Affairs 2000) [...] Status in Iran: [Endemic.] Locally fairly common resident in central deserts east to Afghanistan border and south to northern Baluchestan. There are specimens in AMNH, BMNH, FMNH, NHMW and ZISP.
3. Sehhatisabet, M.E. (2007). "A Preliminary Survey of the Distribution of Pleske's Ground Jay Podoces pleskei in Iran, with Some Information on Numbers" (PDF). Podoces. 2 (1): 37–51.
4. "(PDF) Breeding ecology of the Iranian ground jay (Podoces pleskei)". ResearchGate. Archived from the original on 2020-10-02. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
5. Goljani, Reza; Najafabadi (15 April 2010). "Breeding Activities and Success of Pleske's Ground Jay Podoces pleskei in Touran Biosphere Reserve, Semnan Province, Iran" (PDF). Podoces, West & Central Asian Ornithological Journal. 5 (1): 35–41 – via ResearchGate.
6. Opaev, A.; Ilyashenko, V.; Gungaa, A.; Ilyashenko, E.; Purev-Ochir, G. (2019). "Vocalization of the Ground Jays Supports their Subdivision into two Genera: Podoces and Eupodoces" (PDF). Podoces. 14 (2): 18–27.
7. "پرندگان ایران: زاغ بور ایرانی | باشگاه پرنده نگری ایرانیان". www.iranianbirdingclub.com. Retrieved 2025-12-18.