Red-legged Partridge

Overview

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae, also known as the French partridge. It is a non-migratory terrestrial species that forms flocks outside the breeding season.

Identification

• Sandy-brown above with a pale grey breast and pinkish-buff belly, featuring bold rufous and black flank-bars.
• White face with a prominent black gorget, a bright red bill, and pinkish-red legs.
• Emits a three-syllable call described as "ka-chu-chu".

Habitat

This species breeds naturally on dry lowlands in southwestern Europe, including farmland and open stony areas in France, Iberia and northwestern Italy. It has become naturalised in flat, hot, and dry areas of England and Wales, where it thrives in sandy soils.

Diet

The red-legged partridge is a seed-eating species, but young birds in particular rely on insects as an essential protein supply.

Did you know?

The bird is capable of breeding two clutches simultaneously, a trait that has led to its extensive rearing in captivity for shooting sports.