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Gray Partridge
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| © Alan
G. Nelson/Root Resources Courtesy of eNature |
Species
description provided by eNature
Description
12-14" (30-36 cm). A small, stocky, chicken-like bird, largely
gray, with black U-shaped mark on underparts and bright rust-colored
tail, most evident when it flies.
Voice
Hoarse kee-ah; when flushed, a rapid cackle.
Habitat
Grainfields, agricultural grasslands.
Nesting
10-20 unmarked olive eggs in a shallow depression lined with grass
and concealed in vegetation.
Range
Introduced and locally established in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,
northern New York, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, southern Michigan, Iowa,
Minnesota, and across northern part of western United States to
British Columbia. Introduction in West has been much more successful
than in East. Native to Eurasia.
Discussion
Also called the "Hungarian Partridge," this bird is well
adapted to areas of intensive agriculture, a habitat claimed by
no native game bird. It forms coveys outside the breeding season,
like the Northern Bobwhite, but does not defend a territory. In
spring the flocks break up into pairs. While the male takes no part
in incubating the eggs, he does help care for the young, which leave
the nest soon after hatching. The Gray Partridge's high reproductive
rate enables it to withstand hunting, predators, and cold, snowy
northern winters, all of which take a heavy toll.
