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DESCRIPTION
13 1/2 inches (34cm). Upperparts mouse brown fading to buff belly, grey
throat and forehead, white cheeks and over eye, and on throat bordered
with black. Short tail rufous; flanks grey, barred black, white, chestnut.
Legs and bill red, eyes brown.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Southwest Europe, mainly France and Iberia; introduced into Britain, Azotes,
Madeira, Canary Islands.
HABITAT
Red Legged Partridge is found in lowland scrub, sunny hillsides, vineyards,
heaths; in England on drier cultivated land and dunes.
DIET Stems, leaves, buds, berries,
grass seeds, insects and spiders.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Runs rather than flies; coveys scatter if put to flight.
CAGE LIFE
The Red Legged Partridge uses call when about to fly. Often perches at
height. Breeds from mid-April, lining well-hidden scrape with grass and
leaves. Lays 10 to 16 eggs, pale yellow brown, spotted dull red and ashy.
Sometimes lays in nests of other birds. Often two clutches, each parent
incubating one 23 to 24 days. Young attended by one or both parents, fledging
16 weeks.
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