See-see Partridge

The See-see partridge, Ammoperdix griseogularis, is a gamebird of modest size, belonging to the pheasant family Phasianidae. It is a bird that exhibits a rotund shape, predominantly cloaked in sandy-brown plumage, adorned with wavy white and brown stripes along its flanks.

Identification Tips

Males can be identified by their grey heads, marked with a distinctive black stripe through the eye and a white cheek patch. The sides of the neck are speckled with white. This head pattern serves as the primary feature for distinguishing the male See-see partridge from the closely related Sand partridge. Females, on the other hand, present a much paler version of the male's plumage and are more challenging to differentiate from their relatives due to the less pronounced head pattern.

Habitat

The See-see partridge favors dry, open, and often hilly terrains as its natural habitat.

Distribution

This species has its main native range extending from southeast Turkey through the landscapes of Syria and Iraq, reaching eastward to Iran and Pakistan.

Behaviour

Typically observed in pairs or small flocks of two to four individuals, the See-see partridge has also been known to congregate in larger groups exceeding fifty. When startled, it shows a preference for running as opposed to taking flight. However, when necessary, it will take to the air, flying short distances on rounded wings.

Song & Calls

The vocalization of the See-see partridge is characterized by a whistled "hwit-hwit-hwit."

Breeding

Breeding See-see partridges establish a scantily lined ground scrape as a nest, where they lay a clutch of 8-16 eggs.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the See-see partridge is quite varied, encompassing a wide selection of seeds complemented by some insect food.

Conservation status

The See-see partridge is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.