Partridges
| Partridge | |
|---|---|
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|
|
Crested wood partridge (Rollulus rouloul) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Galliformes |
| Family: |
Phasianidae Horsfield, 1821 |
| Subfamily: |
Perdicinae Horsfield, 1821 |
| Genus | |
|
Alectoris |
|
Alectoris
Ammoperdix
Arborophila
Bambusicola
Haematortyx
Lerwa
Margaroperdix
Melanoperdix
Perdix
Rhizothera
Rollulus
Tetraophasis
Xenoperdix
Partridges are medium-sized non-migratory gamebirds, with a wide native distribution throughout the Old World, including Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They are sometimes grouped in the Perdicinae subfamily of the Phasianidae (pheasants, quail, etc.). However, molecular research suggests that partridges are not a distinct taxon within the family Phasianidae, but that some species are closer to the pheasants, while others are closer to the junglefowls.
These are medium-sized birds, intermediate between the larger pheasants and the smaller quails. Partridges are native to the grassy steppes of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Nowadays they are often found nesting on agricultural land. They nest on the ground and have a diet consisting of seeds and insects. Species such as the grey partridge and the red-legged partridge are popular as game birds, and are often reared in captivity and released for the purpose of hunting. For the same reason, they have been introduced into large areas of North America.
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Wikipedia