Red-legged Partridge Bird Facts (Alectoris rufa)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Red-legged Partridge is a plump, round-bodied game bird with distinctive markings. Its upperparts are predominantly greyish-brown, contrasting with a grey breast and buff belly. The face and throat are white, bordered by a black necklace that splits into multiple bars on the flanks.

Both sexes look similar, with bright red legs and bills, although females lack the leg spurs and tend to be slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage and lack the defined black necklace. The bird's appearance remains consistent throughout the year, with no seasonal variations.

Size

Length

32cm to 34cm

Wingspan

47cm to 50cm

Weight

400g to 550g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

Red Black White

Beak Colour

Red

Leg Colour

Red

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Red-legged Partridge can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Red-legged Partridge can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Red-legged Partridge is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Red-legged Partridges are native to southwestern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and parts of France and Italy. They prefer open, dry habitats such as farmland, grasslands, and scrubby areas with some cover for nesting and shelter.

In the UK, where they were introduced in the 18th century, they are now well-established, particularly in eastern and southern England. They are non-migratory, maintaining their territories year-round in suitable habitats.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Mediterranean

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-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

Resident

Breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Andorra France Greece Italy Portugal Spain The United Kingdom

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Germany Ireland

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Belgium Luxembourg Netherlands Switzerland

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!

Share your thoughts

Bird 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 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Red-legged Partridge demonstrates considerable agility, particularly in its ground movements. Its ability to run at speeds up to 30 km/h (around 19 mph) and execute sudden, explosive takeoffs when startled indicates a high level of agility for a ground-dwelling bird.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

While not exceptionally strong, the Red-legged Partridge possesses moderate strength suitable for its size and lifestyle. Its ability to scratch the ground for food and carry out short, powerful flights suggests a reasonable strength level for a medium-sized game bird.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

This species shows remarkable adaptability, thriving in various habitats from farmland to grasslands. Its success as an introduced species in the UK, coupled with its ability to survive without drinking water, demonstrates a high capacity for adaptation to different environments and conditions.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Red-legged Partridges are not particularly aggressive birds. They form coveys and are generally social outside the breeding season. However, males may display some territorial behaviour during mating, which warrants a moderate aggression rating.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The endurance of the Red-legged Partridge is quite impressive for a ground-dwelling bird. Its preference for running over flying, ability to forage extensively, and capacity to care for a large brood (10-16 eggs) indicate good stamina. The species' non-migratory nature also suggests a solid level of endurance for day-to-day activities.

Diet

Red-legged Partridges are omnivorous, and their diet varies seasonally. They primarily feed on seeds, grains, and leaves, supplementing this with insects and small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season.

These birds often forage in open fields, scratching the ground to uncover food.

Behaviour

Red-legged Partridges are ground-dwelling birds, preferring to run rather than fly when disturbed. They are often seen in small groups called coveys, especially outside the breeding season.

These birds are known for their habit of 'exploding' into flight when startled, a sudden and noisy takeoff that can surprise predators and birdwatchers alike.

Vocalisation

The Red-legged Partridge has a distinctive call, often described as a sharp, metallic 'chuck-chuck' or 'chuk-chuk-chukar'. This call is frequently heard during the breeding season, especially at dawn and dusk. When alarmed, they may emit a harsh, grating 'krak-krak' sound as they take flight.

Nesting & Breeding

Red-legged Partridges form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in April. Males perform courtship displays, including head-bobbing and circling potential mates.

Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often hidden in tall grass or under hedgerows. Females lay 10-16 cream-coloured eggs with brown speckles. The nest is usually well-concealed to protect it from predators.

Incubation lasts about 23-24 days, primarily by the female. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching. Both parents care for the young, which can fly at about two weeks old and become independent at around two months.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Near Threatened ^[1]

Listed as Near Threatened globally, Red-legged Partridges face localised pressures from habitat loss, intensive farming practices and overhunting.

In the UK, where they were introduced, conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats through wildlife-friendly farming methods and managing populations for sustainable game shooting.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

9,950,000 - 13,700,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Red-legged Partridges in open farmland, especially near field edges or hedgerows.
Listen for their distinctive 'chuck-chuck' call, especially early morning or evening.
Scan the ground carefully, as these birds blend well with their surroundings.
In the UK, check areas with chalky or sandy soils where they are more common.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

French Partridge

Family:

Phasianidae

Average Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Max Lifespan

6.2 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include foxes, stoats, weasels, and birds of prey such as hawks and owls. Domestic cats and dogs can also pose a threat, especially to young birds.

Did You Know?

Red-legged Partridges can run at speeds up to 30 km/h (around 19 mph).
They were introduced to the UK as game birds and are now more common there than the native Grey Partridge.
These birds have the ability to survive without drinking water, obtaining moisture from their food.

References

1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Alectoris rufa (Europe assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22678711A166184840.
View source
4
journalArticle, 1938: Flower, Furter notes on the duration of life in animals. IV. Birds, Proc Zool Soc London, Ser. A:195-235