Gray partridge
Perdix perdix
Identification Tips:
- Sexes similar
- Stocky, ground-dwelling partridge with short, rounded wings
- Grayish-brown bird without bright markings
- Short, thick, pale bill
- Tawny cinnamon face with uncrested brown crown and ear patch
- Gray nape and breast with fine, dark vermiculations
- Brown back and upperwings
- Reddish-brown bars on flanks
- Rufous outer tail feathers visible in flight
- Male has dark brown patch on center of belly, female has smaller or
absent marking
- Immatures similar to adults but have yellow rather than blue-gray feet
Similar species:
Chukar has red bill, black eyeline and necklace, and black bars on flanks.
Northern Bobwhite has different face pattern and is smaller with a grayish
tail in flight.