Grey partridge

Latin Perdix perdix (Alt.)
Estonian Nurmkana

Also known as: grey-legged partridge, English partridge, Hungarian partridge, hun

Status in Estonia

Breeding and wintering bird.

Description

The grey partridge is a bird from the Phasianidae family with a round, stout body and head. The plumage is primarily greyish-brown, with an orange-red ‘face’ and throat, chestnut-brown cross-stripes on the sides, an ash-grey and finely striped chest and a big horseshoe-shaped blackish-brown mark on the belly. The sexes are similar, but the female bird’s underbelly patch is far smaller and less visible. Juveniles are yellowish and greyish brown.

Size

Body length 28–32 cm, wingspan 45–48 cm, body mass 220–475 g.

Similar species

Common quail, corn crake.

Distribution

It is widespread between the central region of the European taiga zone and the Mediterranean Sea and in Western Siberia between the southern half of the taiga zone and the semi-desert zone as well as in the Caucasus and Anatolia. It is common everywhere in Estonia except Hiiumaa and Vormsi.

Population

Estonia has 2000–4000 breeding pairs.

Occurrence in Estonia

Sedentary bird.

Diet

It feeds on weed seeds, fallen grains, green sections of herbaceous plants, berries, arthropods and snails. Chicks are first fed only animal-based food, but they gradually get used to plant-based foods.

Habitat

Common habitats include fields and meadows as well as forest paths, forest clearings and gardens close to the cultural landscape. In the event of heavy snow, it approaches human communities and roadways. It easily adapts to a variety of non-life-threatening disturbance elements.

Nesting

The grey partridge is a monogamous species; pairings form as early as mid-March. The nest is typically found in a grain field or in dense grass beneath the shadow of a sheltering tree or bush, dug quite deep into the earth and stacked with dry grass. At the end of April or May, 10–26 single-coloured greyish, brownish, or greenish-yellow eggs are laid and remain there for 24–25 days. Both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are nidifugous, meaning they leave the nest shortly after hatching and fly short distances as early as 12–14 days old, remaining in the nest with the adult birds throughout the autumn and winter.

Conservation status and protection

Gamebird, not under protection. Agricultural activities and contamination of fields with pesticides pose a threat during the nesting season.

Distribution and population in Lääne County

The grey partridge is an uncommon breeding and wintering bird throughout Lääne County. Grey partridges are still more common in Matsalu’s agricultural areas, but they are difficult to spot due to their secretive lifestyle. Outside of the breeding season, grey partridges occasionally visit the sea coast to feed.
Grey partridges are easier to find during winter when there’s snow, as they tend to forage near houses and roadsides.