Rock Partridge
A species of Rock partridges Scientific name : Alectoris graeca Genus : Rock partridges
Rock Partridge, A species of Rock partridges
Botanical name: Alectoris graeca
Genus: Rock partridges
Content
Description
Description
The rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) is a gamebird in the pheasant family, Phasianidae, of the order Galliformes (gallinaceous birds). This partridge has its main (native) range in southern Europe, and is closely related and very similar to its eastern equivalent, the Chukar partridge, A. chukar. This is a resident breeder in dry, open and often hilly country. It nests in a scantily lined ground scrape laying 5-21 eggs. The rock partridge takes a wide variety of seeds and some insect food. The rock partridge is a rotund bird, with a light brown back, grey breast and buff belly. The face is white with a black gorget. It has rufous-streaked flanks and red legs. When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly, but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings. It is very similar to the chukar partridge, but is greyer on the back and has a white, not yellowish foreneck. The sharply defined gorget distinguishes this species from red-legged partridge. The song is a noisy ga-ga-ga-ga-chakera- chakera- chakera. This species is declining in parts of its range due to habitat loss and over-hunting. While it generally manages to hold its own, the status of the Sicilian population may be more precarious and certainly deserves attention (Randi 2006). 
Size
37 cm
Life Expectancy
8 years
Feeding Habits
Rock Partridge's diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and green plant materials, complemented by invertebrates like insects and molluscs. They forage primarily on the ground, displaying a preference for gentiana lutea seeds in the French Alps. Adaptations include searching among assorted plants and varying feeding times.
Habitat
Rock Partridge predominantly resides in rocky hills, mountainous regions, and subalpine zones, favoring calcareous rock terrains complemented by short grass and sparse shrubs. These birds are often found in open woodland habitats with tree species such as Pine, Larch, and Juniper. Habitual altitudes range broadly but are most common from 1200 to 1500 meters, occasionally reaching up to 2700 meters. Rock Partridge prefers southern-facing slopes and can be spotted in heathlands, pastures, and grassy areas with low scrub. Their habitat encompasses rocky terrains, including scree slopes and crags, and they are typically found close to water sources.
Dite type
Granivorous
Scientific Classification
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