Gray Partridge - Perdix perdix

Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Perdix

Description

The gray partridge, also known as the Hungarian partridge, is a small chicken-like bird. It has a 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.

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.