Partridge

Partridges (Perdicinae)
Grey partridge (Perdix perdix)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Galliformes
Family:	Phasianidae Horsfield, 1821
Subfamily:	Perdicinae Horsfield, 1821

The partridge is a medium sized bird. They are known as game birds because they are hunted and eaten by humans. They are in the pheasant family (Phasianidae).

Partridges are in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". The line "...and a partridge in a pear tree" is sung.

Color and shape

Most partridges are brown, gray and white. They are camouflaged and difficult to see. They have short legs and short bills. Partridges are smaller than pheasants but they are bigger than quails.

Partridges can not fly very well and they do not migrate. This means they always stay in the same area all year round.

Habitat

Partridges live in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. They live in places such as moors, grassland and farmland. They feed mostly on seeds, and nest on the ground. This means their nests are not very safe from predators such as foxes. Partridges use their camouflage to make it difficult for predators to see them and their nests.