Agriocharis ocellata is a species of bird found in Central America. Its name can be pronounced as /əˌɡrioʊˈkærɪs ˌoʊsəˈleɪtə/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The genus name, Agriocharis, is derived from the Greek words "agrios," meaning wild or rough, and "charis," meaning grace or beauty. The species name, ocellata, means "eye-marked" in Latin, referring to the bird's distinctive eye patch. Accurate spelling and pronunciation of scientific names such as Agriocharis ocellata is crucial for scientific research and communication.
Agriocharis ocellata, commonly known as the ocellated turkey, is a large bird species native to the lowland forests of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. It belongs to the family Phasianidae and is closely related to the North American wild turkey.
The ocellated turkey is known for its vibrant and iridescent plumage, with males displaying a range of colors including copper, bronze, green, blue, and gold. Its body is relatively smaller compared to its more well-known relative, the domestic turkey. Adults typically grow up to 34-46 inches long and weigh around 8-12 pounds. The male's most distinctive features are its featherless blue head with bright yellow to red warts or nodules, and a bright blue neck and breast. Females, known as hens, have less striking coloring with smaller warts.
These turkeys primarily inhabit dense tropical jungles and forests, utilizing the trees for roosting and nesting. Their diet consists of fruits, seeds, insects, and small reptiles. Ocellated turkeys are known for their agile flying abilities and are capable of reaching impressive speeds and heights when necessary.
Due to habitat destruction and hunting pressure, the ocellated turkey population is declining, and it is considered Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are being made to protect their remaining habitats and regulate hunting practices to ensure their long-term survival.
The term "Agriocharis ocellata" is the scientific name for the Mexican blue-eyed grass, which is a plant native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. It belongs to the family Iridaceae.
The etymology of the word "Agriocharis" comes from the Greek words "agrios" meaning "wild" and "charis" meaning "grace" or "graceful". This name likely refers to the plant's wild and natural beauty.
The specific epithet "ocellata" is derived from the Latin word "ocellus", meaning "little eye" or "eyelet". This term is commonly used in biology to describe a spot or marking resembling an eye. It is likely named after the small, conspicuous, blue-to-violet flowers with a yellow center that resemble an eye.