Grey Partridge

Perdix perdix

Grey Partridge

Quick Facts

Classification

Scientific name:

Perdix perdix

Family:

Pheasants and partridges

Conservation status:

Red

Measurements

Length:

30cm

Wingspan:

46cm

Weight:

390g

Other birds in the Pheasants and partridges family

About the Grey Partridge

Contrary to popular belief (and the Christmas song), the grey partridge is a ground bird and won't be found in a pear tree! They are usually found in groups of up to 16 (known as coveys) outside the breeding season.

They have a distinctive orange face, grey-ish brown feathers, chestnut tails and short dark beaks. It is considered a medium-sized bird and flys with whirring wings with the occasional glide.

Grey partridges have been extremely common and widespread historically but have unfortunately undergone series declines. They are now considered a Red List species.

What does a Grey Partridge eat?

Their diets mainly consist of seeds, leaves and insects.

Other birds in the Pheasants and partridges family

Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

The Lady Amherst’s pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae) is one of the most striking birds on the planet. A member of the Phasianidae family, these long-tailed ground birds are native to forests and woodlands in Southeast Asia but can be found in collections all over the world today. They were named after the wife of a colonial governor and were introduced into parts of England in the mid-1800s.

Reeves's Pheasant

A large pheasant that can be found in parts of central and eastern China. It has also been introduced to parts of Europe and can be seen in France, the Czech Republic and less commonly in the UK.

Red-Legged Partridge

Quail

Pheasant

The pheasant, otherwise known as the Common Pheasant or Ring Necked Pheasant, is a prolific gamebird found throughout the UK and western Europe, with many birds raised in captivity.

Golden Pheasant

A native of China, introduced in small numbers to the west, the timid male golden pheasant is much admired by aviculturists due to its beautiful, bold coloured plumage.

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