Grey Partridge

The Grey Partridge, known scientifically as Perdix perdix, is a gamebird belonging to the pheasant family Phasianidae. This rotund bird is characterized by its brown back, grey flanks, and chest, with a white belly often adorned with a chestnut-brown horse-shoe mark in males and many females.

Identification Tips

Adult Grey Partridges can be distinguished by their size and distinctive markings. They measure approximately 30-33 cm in length, weigh between 390-500 g, and have a wingspan of 53-56 cm. A key identification feature is the so-called cross of Lorraine on the tertiary coverts of females, which display two transverse bars, as opposed to the single bar in males. Juveniles are mostly yellow-brown and lack the face and underpart markings of adults.

Habitat

The Grey Partridge typically nests in the margins of cereal fields, with a preference for winter wheat.

Distribution

This species is widespread and common throughout much of Europe and the western Palearctic, extending as far as southwestern Siberia. It has been introduced to Canada, the United States, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Behaviour

Outside the breeding season, Grey Partridges form flocks of up to 30 individuals. They are non-migratory and terrestrial, often found foraging at the edges of cereal fields.

Song & Calls

The Grey Partridge's song is a harsh, high-pitched "kieerr-ik." When disturbed, it flies a short distance on rounded wings, emitting a "rick rick rick" call.

Breeding

Hens lay up to twenty eggs in a ground nest, with the breeding season typically occurring in the spring and early summer.

Similar Species

The Grey Partridge may be confused with other partridge species, but its distinctive markings and habitat preferences can aid in proper identification.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists primarily of seeds, but young partridges rely heavily on insects for protein during their first 10 days of life.

Conservation Status

The Grey Partridge is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, but populations have declined in areas of intensive cultivation, such as the UK, where it is on the "Birds of Conservation Concern" Red List.

Subspecies

There are eight recognized subspecies of Grey Partridge, including P. p. armoricana in France, P. p. canescens in Turkey to northwest Iran, and P. p. hispaniensis in the Iberian Peninsula, among others.