|
This article is incomplete. This article is missing one or more sections. You can help the BirdForum Opus by expanding it. |
|
- Perdix perdix
Identification
- Relatively small headed and chubby
- Orange face and throat
- Green bill
- Grey legs
Male
- White underbelly
- Chestnut horseshoe on lower breast
Female
Similar to male, but duller
Similar Species
Distribution
Breeds throughout Europe from the UK to Kazakhstan, and Scandinavia, with a patchy distribution in southern Europe.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Can be found on a wide variety of habitats, from farmland to moorland and sand dunes. Adults are more likely to be seen in open grass or vegetation the young, however prefer cereal crops
Status
Once common, the population has crashed, possibly due to farming practises
Behaviour
They are inclined to fly close to the ground. Wing flaps produce a whirring noise.
Can be found in 'coveys' outside of the breeding season
Diet
Adults: grass, seeds and shoots; also insects when breeding. Chicks only eat invertebrates such as sawflies, beetles and aphids.
Breeding
Mid-April to early September. Up to 16 eggs laid in a well-hidden scrape nest lined with grass and leaves. If they lose their first clutch, they may lay again
Vocalisation
Includes a high, hoarse keev, and a pitt-pitt-pitt when alarmed.
<flashmp3>Perdix perdix (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
ArKive
