The gray partridge, Perdix perdix, also known as the English partridge, Hungarian partridge, or hun, is a gallinaceous gamebird belonging to the pheasant family Phasianidae. The scientific name is taken from the Latin word for “partridge,” which in turn is derived from the Ancient Greek perdix.
Quick Overview: Perdix Perdix – Gray Partridge
Body size: Around 11.8-13 in (30-33 cm) and a weight of 397 g (14 oz)
Main colors: Gray, Red, Brown, White
Range: Northern United States
Migratory Bird: No
Best time of the year to see in the U.S.: All Year (January – December)
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Gray Partridge Description
Gray partridges, alternatively called Hungarian partridges, are little chicken-like birds. Its neck and breast feathers are gray, and its head is rusty red. Brown, red, white, and gray feathers cover its wings and tail. Its wings are short and circular, and it has a little beak.
Size
These birds have a length of 11.8-13 in (30-33 cm) and a weight of 397 g (14 oz). Their wings could range from 18-22 in (46-56 cm).
Feeding
The gray partridge’s diet is primarily composed of grains. Additionally, it consumes insects on occasion.
Habitat
In North America, the gray partridge is a non-native species. Its origins date all the way back to Europe and Asia. It was brought to North America as a game bird and is now widespread in regions of British Columbia and south-central Canada. Additionally, it is found in the north-central United States.
Behavior
During the non-breeding season, gray partridges are non-territorial and congregate in big groups or coveys. During mating season, males might be violent toward one another. Males and females mate in the spring.
Perdix Perdix Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Phasianidae
- Genus: Perdix
- Species: Perdix perdix
Best time of the year to see
In the United States, the best time of year to see these birds is all year round, regardless of the season. This refers to any month of the year between January and December.
Distribution of the Gray Partridge in the USA
The breeding grounds are located throughout Europe and western Asia, and the species has been imported to North America. It has become widespread in southern Canada and the northern United States since its introduction.
The Gray Partridge can be found in the following states in the United States – Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
