Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufa
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<birdfyi-bird slug="alectoris-rufa"></birdfyi-bird>Red bill and red legs are diagnostic in the Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa), a gamebird of south-western Europe centred on the Iberian Peninsula and France. A white face and throat bordered by a black gorget, blue-grey upperparts and boldly barred chestnut-and-white flanks complete a pattern shared by both sexes. The species keeps to open farmland, maquis and rocky hillsides, and is most vocal at dusk, when pairs duet in a rhythmic call. Clutches are large, at eleven to thirteen eggs. It has been released widely for shooting, yet the wild population has fallen with the intensification of agriculture, and the IUCN Red List classifies it as Near Threatened. Recorded birds average about 490 g.
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About
A medium Phasianidae partridge (~490 g) native to southwestern Europe, particularly the Iberian Peninsula and France. Red bill and legs are diagnostic; flanks boldly barred orange and black. Inhabits open farmland, maquis, and rocky hillsides. Widely released as a gamebird. Near Threatened from agricultural intensification.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 31.1 cm | 12.2 in |
| Weight | 489.5 g | 17.27 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Blue-grey upperparts; bold chestnut and white barred flanks; white face and throat bordered by black gorget with black streaks; red bill and legs; grey-blue breast; brown back. Sexes similar; iconic game bird.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of rocky hillsides, scrub, and farmland in France, Iberian Peninsula, and UK (introduced); native to southwest Europe.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; eats seeds, plant shoots, berries, and invertebrates in rocky farmland and scrub of SW Europe.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 23-24 days. Fledging: 10-55 days.
Clutch Size
11-13
Sound
Song
Loud, rhythmic 'chuck-chu-chukar' or 'chuk-chuk-chukAR' calls; European farmland with slightly nasal quality. Alarm is rapid harsh cackling. Pairs call in duet. Very vocal at dusk on Spanish farmland.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Alectoris |
| Species | Alectoris rufa |
Distribution
Red-legged Partridge has been recorded in 18 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Red-legged Partridge eat?
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Is the Red-legged Partridge endangered?
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What does the Red-legged Partridge sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family