Scientific name: Alectoris rufa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Game birds
Field characters. 33 cm. At distance easily mistaken for Grey Partridge, but at close range recognisable by white throat and cheeks bordered by a black band, white supercilium, lavender grey flanks barred vertically with black, white, and red-brown, chestnut crown, and red bill and legs. Black band around white throat broken into gorget of bleak streaks and spots on lower throat. Sexes similar. Juvenile very much like young Grey Partridge.
Voice. Display note is a harsh "chucka chucka"; when flushed it utters a sharp "kuk-kuk".
Distribution. Common resident in south of region. Introduced in Britain, where now common resident in south-east.
Habitat. Flocks haunt variety of habitats: chalky and sandy heaths, scrubby areas, dry mountain foothills, vineyards, open woodland, orchards, garigue and pastures.
Food. Chiefly seeds, leaves, and roots of wild and cultivated grasses, legumes, cereals and clovers; in late spring also ants and grasshoppers.