The RSPB: Red-legged partridge

Red-legged partridge

Listen

Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player.

Latin name

Alectoris rufa

Family

Partridges, quails, pheasants and allies (Phasianidae)

Overview

Larger than the grey partridge, it has a large white chin and throat patch, bordered with black. It has a greyish body with bold black flank stripes, and a chestnut-sided tail. It is an introduced species, brought to the UK from continental Europe, where it is largely found in France and Spain.

Where to see them

Most numerous in England, especially in the east, with some birds in the Welsh borders and in eastern Scotland. Usually seen in groups in open fields.

When to see them

All year round

What they eat

Seeds and roots.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	72,000-200,000 territories	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)