Philby's partridge

Philby's partridge

Philby's rock partridge

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Alectoris philbyi

Philby's partridge (Alectoris philbyi ) or Philby's rock partridge, is a relative of the chukar, red-legged partridge and barbary partridges and is native to southwestern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen. Although similar in appearance to other Alectoris species, Philby's partridge can be distinguished by its black cheeks and throat. Although not currently listed as an endangered species, the Arab Spring and destruction of its fragile habitat in the tribal areas of Northern Yemen had led to concerns about the survival of this species. The name commemorates the British explorer St John Philby.

Appearance

Philby's partridge is similar in appearance to the chukar partridge and has greyish-brown plumage with the flanks boldly banded in black and pale buff. It differs from that species in having black cheeks and throat, and a thin white line separates this from the greyish-blue head and nape. The beak and legs are pink.

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Biogeographical realms

Philby's partridge is found in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It lives on rocky slopes and scantily vegetated land, usually at altitudes between 4,500 and 9,000 feet (1,400 and 2,700 m).

Habits and Lifestyle

Philby's partridge is a ground-dwelling bird. It feeds on seeds, other plant material and small invertebrates. The breeding season lasts from April to June and a clutch of five to eight eggs is laid in a nest on the ground. The eggs are pale buff flecked with pink and are incubated for around 25 days.

Lifestyle
Seasonal behavior

References

1. Philby's partridge Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philby's_partridge
2. Philby's partridge on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22678698/92784515

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About