Here are some general definitions. It will be updated regularly.
Morphotype: Any of a group of different types of individuals of the same species in a population
Semi-species: A group of organisms that are taxonomically intermediate between a race and a species, with reduced outbreeding and gene flow, i.e. with incomplete reproductive isolating mechanisms. Semi-species are thought to represent advanced stages of speciation.
Morphotype: Any of a group of different types of individuals of the same species in a population
Semi-species: A group of organisms that are taxonomically intermediate between a race and a species, with reduced outbreeding and gene flow, i.e. with incomplete reproductive isolating mechanisms. Semi-species are thought to represent advanced stages of speciation.
Eco-species: Genetically distinct geographic variety, population or race within a species, which is adapted to specific environmental conditions. Generally they can interbreed and have different phenotypes. Also known as Ecotype. It is my opinion that Green Peafowl can be split into 5 eco-species or semi-species.
Intergrade: A morphotype that is phenotypically intermediate between different subspecies or morphotypes.
Peridot: A peafowl of hybrid origin with a large percentage of Green Peafowl ancestry, usually over 90%. Often the term "Emerald Spaulding" is used to describe backcrossed birds with over 75% Green Peafowl ancestry. Peridot peafowl may be almost indistinguishable from pure Green Peafowl and are a grave conservation threat to Green Peafowl in captivity because of their hybrid origin, and should never be interbred or released into a region with pure Green Peafowl.
Composite: Also known as "Evergreen", refers to Green Peafowl descended from more than one distinct morphotype.
Green Peafowl Topographic terms:
Loral Axe: The white, axe-shaped segment of the facial skin, encircling the eye and the lores
War paint: The yellow or orange crescent directly behind the loral axe, going through the ear
Crown: The top of the head
Forecrest: The front section of the crest
Hindcrest: The rear section of the crest
Occipital band: A demarcation line between the loral axe and the scaly neck feathers. This trait prominently exhibited by the Burmese and Yunnan Peafowl, where the occipital band extends further down the nape..
Backplate: The scaly feathers on the back of Green Peafowl, directly preceding the ocelli in the males
Peridot: A peafowl of hybrid origin with a large percentage of Green Peafowl ancestry, usually over 90%. Often the term "Emerald Spaulding" is used to describe backcrossed birds with over 75% Green Peafowl ancestry. Peridot peafowl may be almost indistinguishable from pure Green Peafowl and are a grave conservation threat to Green Peafowl in captivity because of their hybrid origin, and should never be interbred or released into a region with pure Green Peafowl.
Composite: Also known as "Evergreen", refers to Green Peafowl descended from more than one distinct morphotype.
Green Peafowl Topographic terms:
Loral Axe: The white, axe-shaped segment of the facial skin, encircling the eye and the lores
War paint: The yellow or orange crescent directly behind the loral axe, going through the ear
Crown: The top of the head
Forecrest: The front section of the crest
Hindcrest: The rear section of the crest
Occipital band: A demarcation line between the loral axe and the scaly neck feathers. This trait prominently exhibited by the Burmese and Yunnan Peafowl, where the occipital band extends further down the nape..
Backplate: The scaly feathers on the back of Green Peafowl, directly preceding the ocelli in the males
Scapular: The iridescent shoulder part of the wing
Penumbra: The smallest ocelli on the train, eg. the scales of the backplate.
Umbra: The darkest section of the ocelli, surrounded by a lighter ring called the lake.
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| A topographic map of Green Peafowl. Courtesy of Kermit Blackwood |
