Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys

Gray Partridge, Perdix perdix

Family Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, Turkeys)

Size: 13"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open grasslands and agricultural fields

The gray partridge is a chunky, ground-dwelling game bird that has been introduced from Asia and is fairly uncommon in New England. It has a stubby, gray bill, rounded wings, and a short tail. The plumage is mottled in tones of grayish brown, with rufous tones on the head, along the flanks, and on the outer tail feathers. A dark-brown patch of variable size occurs on the belly (most prominently in males). Its flight is usually restricted to short bursts, and it often travels on foot in small groups (coveys) of up to a dozen or so. Gray partridges forage on the ground for seeds and voice a high-pitched, grating, raspy call. The adult male is illustrated.