The grey partridge is a fairly small bird in the pheasant family, which is a close relative of the common domestic hen but is somewhat smaller in size. The body of this bird is rounded in shape and is no longer than 35 centimeters in length. Its weight ranges from 350 to 600 grams. The color of its plumage as well as size may vary depending on where the grey partridge lives. Even the sounds made by the female bird resemble the clucking of a chicken, while the male crows (i.e. the familiar ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’).
Grey partridges fly rarely and only when they are in danger. Their strong legs with well-developed muscles help these birds quickly run away from predators. And dense bushes where they nest make them invisible to humans. Grey partridges are not migratory birds, they do not travel elsewhere for the winter. They reproduce and spend their winters in the same territory. They can travel moderate distances in search of food.
These birds primarily feed on seeds of weeds. Their diets can also include grains and tree buds. In the first half of summer, grey partridges eat worms, insects and snails.
Males are larger than females, and the former have a more colorful plumage than the latter. During the courtship season, which starts as early as March, the male partners with only one female. In fact, it remains loyal to its partner during the entire nesting period and takes an active part in caring for their offspring, which is an uncharacteristic trait for other types of hens. At times, the male replaces its partner in their nest. Male grey partridges are not cocky, hence fights among them are a rare sight.
These birds build their nests in fields of cereals, among weeds or dense grass, and in places that are rarely visited by humans. The female lays from 15 to 25 eggs, and incubates them for 25 days. The male helps its partner by guarding the clutch and drawing the attention of predators away. It also gathers the offspring together and provides warmth for them. Males often die during this period because they sacrifice their lives for the sake of their progeny. The young birds eat without their parents’ help. They move around with their family in search of food as one flock. In autumn, grey partridges form flocks consisting of 15 to 30 birds. These groups spend winters together until spring arrives.
Grey partridges fly rarely and only when they are in danger. Their strong legs with well-developed muscles help these birds quickly run away from predators. And dense bushes where they nest make them invisible to humans. Grey partridges are not migratory birds, they do not travel elsewhere for the winter. They reproduce and spend their winters in the same territory. They can travel moderate distances in search of food.
These birds primarily feed on seeds of weeds. Their diets can also include grains and tree buds. In the first half of summer, grey partridges eat worms, insects and snails.
Males are larger than females, and the former have a more colorful plumage than the latter. During the courtship season, which starts as early as March, the male partners with only one female. In fact, it remains loyal to its partner during the entire nesting period and takes an active part in caring for their offspring, which is an uncharacteristic trait for other types of hens. At times, the male replaces its partner in their nest. Male grey partridges are not cocky, hence fights among them are a rare sight.
These birds build their nests in fields of cereals, among weeds or dense grass, and in places that are rarely visited by humans. The female lays from 15 to 25 eggs, and incubates them for 25 days. The male helps its partner by guarding the clutch and drawing the attention of predators away. It also gathers the offspring together and provides warmth for them. Males often die during this period because they sacrifice their lives for the sake of their progeny. The young birds eat without their parents’ help. They move around with their family in search of food as one flock. In autumn, grey partridges form flocks consisting of 15 to 30 birds. These groups spend winters together until spring arrives.
