Philby's Partridge
Alectoris philbyi
Handsome partridge of the southwest Arabian mountains. Mostly pale gray and tan, with chestnut-and-white slashes along the sides, and a black face mask. In flight, shows dark wingtips and chestnut sides to the tail. Found in dry, rocky habitat at middle and high elevations, with a preference for bush areas. The common vocalization, given mainly early and late in the day, is an emphatic series of “chuk-chek-chuk” calls. Also gives clucking calls, especially when flushed. Similar to Arabian Partridge, but distinguished by the black face mask, and when in flight, by the chestnut in the tail.
Identification
Philby's partridge is similar in appearance to the chukar partridge and has greyish-brown plumage with the flanks boldly banded in black and pale buff. It differs from that species in having black cheeks and throat, and a thin white line separates this from the greyish-blue head and nape. The beak and legs are pink.
Taxonomy
Genus: Alectoris; Family: Phasianidae; Order: Galliformes.
- Scientific name
- Alectoris philbyi
- Authority
- Lowe, 1934
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Alectoris
Range and habitat
Philby's partridge is found in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It lives on rocky slopes and scantily vegetated land, usually at altitudes between 4,500 and 9,000 feet (1,400 and 2,700 m).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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