Barbary Partridge

(Alectoris barbara)

• Avicultural Data
• Images
• Bibliography
• Links

Range: North Africa, from Morocco east to north-western Egypt. Also found on Sardinia, Madeira and the Canary Islands (possibly introduced to both).

Subspecies: There are four subspecies recognized. Alectoris barbara koenigiA. b. barbara of northern Morocco & Algeria, A. b. spatzi found in southern Morocco, central Algeria, & southern Tunisia, A. b. barbata of Libya & Egypt.

Habitat:Varies greatly, from cultivated, brushy and wooded lowlands, rocky hillsides up to 10,000 feet and arid sandy areas with little vegetation.

Description: While they similar in size and general appearance to other species of the genus, Barbary Partridge are much more colorful upon closer observation. The face is light gray, surrounded by a chestnut band that is flecked with white. The breast is more buff than other Alectoris species, while the shoulders and back are the same bluish-gray. The sexes are alike, with male being slightly larger and may have small spurs on the red legs. There are very slight, if any, differences in each of the subspecies

Status in Wild: Not well known, believed to be stable in most of range and declining in the small range within Egypt.

Avicultural Data

Status in Aviculture: Commonly kept species. It is unknown when the species was last imported to the US, so it is recommended that American lines be monitored for inbreeding.

Breeding Season: Begins in late April.

Clutch Size: 8-14

Incubation Period: 24-25 days.

Misc. Aviculture Notes: Very easy care in aviaries, but can sometimes be aggressive towards aviary mates as breeding season nears. Care also must be taken when making colonies during winter as fighting may take place between males. Aviary floor needs to be well drained. Landscaping with rocks is also recommended for a natural feel. Has been known to produce fertile hybrids with other members of Alectoris. I have personally observed a hybrid pair of Barbary/Chukar at a sale.

Click on thumbnails for larger views.

Photo Credits
(l to r): 1-6, Keith Heaven; 7, Scott Vowers.

• 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.
• Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterström, D., Grant, P.J. 1999. Birds of Europe. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
• Robbins, G.E.S. 1998. Partridges & Francolins, their Conservation, Breeding & Management. World Pheasant Association.

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

• Barbary Partridge - Internet Bird Collection Species Page; Videos, Photos, & Sounds. ds.
• Barbary Partridge - Mangoverde World Bird Guide Species Page; Images & Sounds. ds.
• Barbary Partridge - Pictures from Oiseaux.net.
• Wikipedia - Barbary Partridge - Wikipedia's species page.