Characteristics
The gray partridge, also known as the Hungarian partridge, is a small chicken-like bird. It has gray neck and chest feathers and a rusty red head. Its wing and tail feathers are brown, rust, white and gray. It has short, round wings and a small bill. Males often have a dark brown U-shaped patch on their stomach. Females may have a smaller patch or no patch at all.
Range
The gray partridge is a non-native species in North America. It is originally from Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North America as a game bird and is now found in British Columbia and in parts of south central Canada. It is also found in the north central United States.
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Habitat
The gray partridge lives in open areas, farmland, grasslands and brush.
Diet
Most of the gray partridge's diet is made up of grains. It also occasionally eats insects.
Life Cycle
The female gray partridge lays between eight and ten eggs in a shallow depression lined with grass. The eggs take a little over three weeks to incubate. The chicks begin to fly when they are about two weeks old.
Behavior
Gray partridges are non-territorial during the non-breeding season and live in large groups or coveys. Males can be aggressive towards each other during mating season. Males and females pair up in the spring for mating.
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