A medium-sized, plump gamebird with a distinctive orange face. Flies with whirring wings and occasional glides, showing a chestnut tail. It is strictly a ground bird, never likely to be found in pear trees! Groups of 6-15 (known as coveys) are most usually seen outside the breeding season. Once very common and widespread, it has undergone serious declines throughout most of its range and is a Red List species.
Key ID Features
Small, neat, plump gamebird with a pale brown body, streaked with grey, a grey streaked breast and a small head with an russet face.
A small brown bill and dull brown legs complete the ensemble.
In flight rusty orange sides of the tail can be seen.
Overview
Scientific name: Perdix perdix
Family: Partridges, quails, pheasants and allies (Phasianidae)
Where to see them:
They are traditionally found in lowland arable areas of Great Britain from the chalk areas in the south, into East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, reaching into the north of England and the East of Scotland as far as Aberdeenshire. There are small populations in other parts such as the permanent rushy pastures in the north Pennines. They are largely absent from N Ireland.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Leaves, seeds and insects.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Northumberland
Photographer: Tim Tapley
