Arabian Partridge
Alectoris melanocephala
Handsome partridge of southern Arabia. Pale gray overall, with a tan patch on the neck, black-and-white slashes along the sides, and a complicated black-and-white facial pattern. In flight, shows dark wingtips and black sides to the tail. Found on rocky hillsides with significant amounts of vegetation. Usually in small groups. The most common vocalization is a series of “chok” calls that becomes quicker and more emphatic as it progresses. Similar to Philby’s Partridge, but distinguished by the white throat, black crown, and in flight by the lack of chestnut in the tail.
Identification
Larger than other members of its genus, Alectoris, the Arabian partridge reaches a length of about 41 cm (16 in). The sexes are similar in appearance but males are a little larger than females weighing on average 724 grams (25.5 oz) against the female's 522 grams (18.4 oz). The crown and nape are black and there is a broad white band above the eye, separated from the white chin and upper throat by a narrow black line. This starts at the corner of the beak, passes below the eye and forms a "V" shape on the neck. The sides of the neck are pale brown and the body, wings and tail are bluish-grey with much dark barring on the flanks. The legs and beak are pink. Males have a knob on the tarsus (lower leg).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Alectoris melanocephala
- Authority
- (Rüppell, 1835)
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Alectoris
Range and habitat
The Arabian partridge is native to southern Saudi Arabia, Yemen and western Oman. It has been introduced to United Arab Emirates. The subspecies A. m. guichardi occurs in eastern Hadramut and eastern Yemen and A. m. melanocephala occurs in the rest of the range. It is found on grassy slopes and stony ground with a reasonable amount of vegetation cover, from near sea level to an altitude of about 1,400 metres (4,600 ft). In 2022, a population of the birds was found in Harrat Uwayrid Biosphere Reserve in Saudi Arabia, around 100 kilometres (62 mi) further north than all other known populations.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
A ground-dwelling bird, it feeds on seeds, other plant material such as Mediterranean grass and cudweed, and small invertebrates. The breeding season starts in March and a clutch of five to eight eggs is laid in a shallow scoop on the ground. The eggs are pale buff flecked with brown and are incubated for about 25 days before hatching into precocial young that are soon able to leave the nest.
Conservation
The Arabian partridge has a wide range and is common in many parts of this. The total size of the population is unknown but the population trend appears to be steady. For these reasons, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's conservation status as being of "least concern".
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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An attractive small myzomela in which males are brick-red, with a slightly darker patch in front of the eyes. Female has distinctive plumage that is mostly reddish-brown. Found in the canopy of primary rainforest and forest edge as well as secondary growth. Unique reddish coloration separates it from similar species. Common call is a repeated high-pitched, insect-like “tsip.”
Moluccan Brush Cuckoo
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White-tailed Robin
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Stately ground-dwelling songbird of dense mid- to upper-elevation broadleaf and mixed forests, particularly in areas with bamboo. Male a striking rich blue with brighter patches on crown and wings, female brown overall with white throat and belly. Both sexes have large white patches on sides of tail that flash brightly in the gloom of the forest when fanned. When the white tail patch is not visible, ground-dwelling habits and horizontal posture distinguish male from the similar Large Niltava. Song is beautiful, a short series of ringing silvery whistles, usually rising. Most common call is a high thin “tzin.”
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