Arabian Partridge

(Alectoris melanocephala)

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Other Names: Arabian Rock Partridge, Arabian Red-legged Partridge, Arabian Chukar, Ruppell's Partridge

Range: Southern Saudi Arabia.

Subspecies: Two according to Johnsgard: Alectoris melanocephala melanocephala and A. m. quichardi.

Habitat: Rocky hillsides and grassy slopes to 4500 feet. Will often feed on cultivated lands.

Description: Much larger than other Alectoris species, the sexes are similar. Often considered the most beautiful of the genus, the crown is black which extends down the nape; a broad white band begins in front of the eye and extends to the back of the head, the chin and upper throat are also white, this is separated from the white above the eye by a narrow black band that starts at the bill, extends to the the cheek and forms a "V" on the neck; the sides of the neck pastel brown; rest of plumage bluish gray as in other members of the genus; pronounced barring on the sides. Females slightly smaller, lack the tarsal knob seen on adult males.

Status in Wild: Not well known, but believed to be locally common.

Avicultural Data

Status in Aviculture: Was first brought to the US by the San Diego Zoo in the late 1980s, it is still farily uncommon in collections.

Breeding Season: Late March to June.

Breeding Age: First year.

Clutch Size: 5 to 8; egg color: pale buff with brown flecks.

Incubation Period: 24 to 26 days.

Click on thumbnails for larger views.

Photo Credits
(l to r): 1, Glen Browning.

• Hayes, LB. 1995. Upland Game Birds: Their Breeding and Care. Leland Hayes, Valley Center, CA.
• Johnsgard, P.A. 1988. The Quails, Partridges, and Francolins of the World. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
• Madge, S., McGowan, P. 2002. Pheasants, Partridges, and Grouse. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.

Links related to this species. Please note, links will open in a new window.

• Wikipedia - Arabian Partridge - Wikipedia's species page.