The Red-legged Partridge is a game bird known for its vibrant colors and is increasingly visible in southern England. It is typically found in a variety of habitats such as farmland, heathland, shingle beaches, and dunes. Therefore, it is not uncommon to spot one wandering across your garden if it is located within these areas. Compared to the Grey Partridge, the Red-legged Partridge has a rounder appearance and often stands more upright. Additionally, it boasts a more striking head pattern, a plainer back, and more complex underpart markings. Its bill is short and cherry-red, while its eye is dark brown with a red orbital ring. Its legs are also a distinct red color.
The Red-legged Partridge displays a distinguished appearance, with a grey-brown crown and nape that contrasts sharply with its bold white supercilia and throat patch. The cheeks are a shade of brown, while the lores and border of the throat are black. The black coloration becomes spotted on the ear-coverts and upper breast, creating an apparent "necklace". The upperparts of the bird, excluding the dark wing tips and orangey tail sides, are a subdued olive-brown.
The upper breast of the Red-legged Partridge exhibits a warm brown hue that smoothly transitions into an ashy-grey lower breast, eventually fading into a rich orange on the belly and undertail. The flanks are adorned with a striking mix of black, white, red, and blue bars.
The distinctive sound of whirring wings often signals the presence of Red-legged Partridges. These birds are known for their swift, low flight on wings that appear slightly curved. Their striking orange tail feathers are especially noticeable as they fly away. While Red-legged Partridges are more inclined to run than fly, their distinct rasping call of 'chuck, chuck, chukak' can often be heard as they move.
When observed from a posterior view, the Red-legged Partridge maintains a highly recognizable appearance. The occiput exhibits prominent white and black markings, and the flank bars are readily discernible. The abbreviated wings expose the buff-colored rump and tawny tail.
The juvenile Red-legged Partridge exhibits a subdued appearance in comparison to its adult counterpart. Its facial pattern is barely discernible, and the supercilia and throat display a buffy-white hue. The distinctive 'necklace' is replaced by sparse grey mottling, while the head, mantle, rump, and central tail are a dull grey-brown. The wings are marked with black and white blotches, and the outer tail feathers are chestnut in color.
This specimen exhibits a buff-brown upper breast, complemented by a pale blue lower breast and pink belly. The flanks are adorned with whitish and brown bars, while the bare parts feature a greyish bill, black eye, and dull fleshy-pink legs.
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