Hainan Partridge
Arborophila ardens
Small game bird restricted to the tropical rainforests of southern Hainan Island, where it is the only forest-dwelling partridge. Body is brown above and gray below; head is black with a bright white ear patch and an orange collar. Unlikely to be confused with the only other game bird in its habitat, the Hainan Peacock Pheasant, which is far larger and gray all over. Shy and far more often heard than seen; ringing song is often heard at dawn.
Identification
The Hainan partridge is 26–28 cm (10–11 in) long. The male weighs about 300 g (11 oz), and the female weighs about 237 g (8.4 oz). The head is blackish, and there is a white patch on the ear coverts and a whitish supercilium. The crown and nape are dark brown, with black mottles. The upperparts are olive-brown and have black scales. The throat and neck-sides are blackish, and there is an orange collar around the lower neck. The underparts are grey, and the central belly is buffish. The wings are greyish-brown. The beak is black, the eyes are brown, and the legs are dull reddish. The female is smaller and less bright than the male.
Taxonomy
This species was described by Styan in 1892. It is monotypic.
- Scientific name
- Arborophila ardens
- Authority
- (Styan, 1892)
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Arborophila
Range and habitat
The Hainan partridge is endemic to Hainan, although there are unsubstantiated reports from Guangxi. Its habitat is primary evergreen forests that are broadleaved or mixed coniferous-broadleaved, at elevations of 600–1,600 m (2,000–5,200 ft). It also occurs in forests that have recovered from logging.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
There is little information about this partridge's behaviour. It presumably behaves like other species in its genus. Single birds, pairs and coveys have been observed. It eats snails and seeds. Its call is two notes repeated, including ju-gu ju-gu ju-gu. Sometimes a second bird gives quick single notes.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
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