Green-legged Partridge
Tropicoperdix chloropus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Green-legged Partridge is a medium-sized ground bird with distinctive brown and buff plumage. Its upperparts are rich brown, while the underparts are buff with black scalloping, creating a scaly appearance. The head features a rufous crown and white throat.
Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal plumage changes. Juveniles resemble adults but have less defined scalloping on their underparts and duller overall colouration.
Size
Length
28cm to 30cm
Wingspan
40cm to 45cm
Weight
250g to 350g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Green
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Green-legged Partridges inhabit tropical and subtropical evergreen forests, preferring areas with dense undergrowth. They are found in Southeast Asia, including parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China.
These birds are year-round residents in their range, showing no significant seasonal movements.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,400 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Green-legged Partridge. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Quite agile on the ground, with strong running capabilities and quick reflexes to escape predators. While not particularly skilled in flight, their ability to navigate dense undergrowth and swiftly manoeuvre through forest floor vegetation demonstrates considerable agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength for their size, evidenced by their ability to scratch and dig through leaf litter for food. Their robust legs enable effective foraging and quick running, though they're not amongst the strongest birds in their size class.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows good adaptability to various forest conditions up to 1,400m elevation and can thrive in both tropical and subtropical environments. Their varied diet of seeds, invertebrates, and occasional small vertebrates demonstrates dietary flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally peaceful birds that live in coveys, showing limited aggression except during breeding season when pairs become territorial. Their preference for fleeing rather than confronting threats suggests moderate to low aggression levels.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates good endurance through sustained foraging activities and ground-based lifestyle. Their ability to maintain active searching behaviour throughout the day, particularly during morning and evening hours, indicates solid stamina, though they're not exceptional endurance performers.
Diet
The Green-legged Partridge primarily feeds on seeds, berries, and small invertebrates found on the forest floor.
They use their strong feet and bills to scratch and dig in leaf litter, uncovering hidden food items. Occasionally, they may consume small reptiles or amphibians.
Behaviour
Green-legged Partridges are typically found in small coveys of 5-10 individuals, foraging on the forest floor.
They are secretive birds, often running rather than flying when disturbed. During the breeding season, pairs become territorial and separate from the covey.
Vocalisation
The Green-legged Partridge has a distinctive call, often described as a loud, repeated 'ko-wah' or 'ko-whee-oh'. This call is frequently heard at dawn and dusk, especially during the breeding season.
When alarmed, they may emit a sharp, staccato 'kuk-kuk-kuk' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Green-legged Partridges typically occurs from March to August. Males perform courtship displays, including wing-flapping and calling, to attract females.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often hidden under dense vegetation or at the base of trees. Females lay 4-8 cream-coloured eggs per clutch.
Incubation lasts about 18-20 days, primarily carried out by the female. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching, and are cared for by both parents until they fledge at around 2-3 weeks old.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Green-legged Partridge is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss due to deforestation in its range is a growing threat. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and maintaining suitable forest habitats in Southeast Asia.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for these birds in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
- Listen for their distinctive call, which can help locate them in dense vegetation.
- Search for signs of scratching on the forest floor, indicating recent foraging activity.
- Use binoculars to spot their green legs, a key identifying feature.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Scaly-breasted Partridge, Green-legged hill-partridge
Family:
PhasianidaeAverage Lifespan
5 to 8 years
Predators
Main predators include various birds of prey, small carnivores like civets and martens, and large snakes native to Southeast Asian forests.
Did You Know?
- The Green-legged Partridge's scientific name, 'chloropus', means 'green foot' in Greek.
- These birds have strong legs adapted for scratching and running, rarely flying except when seriously threatened.
- They play a role in seed dispersal within their forest habitats.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Tropicoperdix chloropus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22731882A198955126.
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