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The red-legged partridge is a round, ground-dwelling bird native to Europe, known for its red legs and bill, white throat patch bordered by a black gorget, and streaked flanks. It is an omnivore that prefers to run to escape predators but can fly short, fast distances if necessary. They lay 10-16 eggs in ground nests, and the chicks are precocial, able to walk and fly soon after hatching.
Appearance
Legs and beak: Bright red, with a red eye ring.
Plumage: Grayish back, grey breast, buff belly, and bold black and white stripes on its flanks.
Face: White with a black gorget.
Size: About 32–35 cm long with a wingspan of 47–50 cm and weighing 400–550 grams.
Diet and behavior
Diet: Omnivorous, eating seeds, leaves, flowers, and insects.
Movement: Highly terrestrial, preferring to run rather than fly. When it flies, it's for a short distance with fast, flapping wings.
Social behavior: Gregarious in winter and territorial during the spring breeding season.
Reproduction and habitat
Nesting: Nests are built on the ground.
Eggs: Females typically lay a single clutch of 10 to 16 eggs.
Chicks: They are precocial, meaning they are mobile and can walk within a day of hatching and fly within two weeks.
Habitat: Prefers agricultural land, vineyards, high plateaus, and Mediterranean scrubland, often with bushy cover.
Other facts
Vocalization: Its call is a three-syllable sound, often described as "ka-chu-chu".
Conservation: Its status as a popular game bird has led to reintroduction efforts but also to threats from over-hunting and habitat loss from agricultural practices and urbanization.
