Iranian ground jay

Iranian ground jay
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
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.

The Iranian ground jay body is baby brown type 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 fur which makes their body look and feel fluffy.

An Iranian ground jay usually lives in dry areas. They are a well protected species in Iran.

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. The species prefers steppe and sandy deserts with sparse vegetation, typically building nests in shrubs such as Zygophyllum, Haloxylon, and Ephedra. 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.

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 late January 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. Chicks fledge approximately 18 days after hatching. In the Touran Biosphere Reserve, the breeding success rate was recorded at 36%, with predation by the Transcaspian desert monitor identified as a major cause of nest failure.

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.

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.