Perdix perdix (Linnaeus, 1758) · jarabica poľná · Grey Partridge

Distribution

Its native range extends from Europe to central Asia, with introduced populations in North America. In Slovakia it is a resident of open farmland, but its former abundance no longer describes its fragmented occurrence. Breeding is concentrated in lowlands and basins. Family groups form small flocks in autumn and winter and remain in the surrounding countryside.

Habitat

Look in mosaics of fields, grassy margins, fallows, hedges and low scrub. Both ground-level cover and accessible food are necessary. Large uniform fields lacking uncultivated edges offer fewer suitable conditions.

Breeding

The female makes a well-concealed scrape in grass and lays a large clutch, often exceeding ten eggs. She incubates alone, but both parents attend the mobile chicks.

Food

Adults collect green plant material and seeds. Small chicks particularly need tiny insects; a shortage can matter even where grain is abundant.

Interesting fact

A winter covey is often a family that has remained together after breeding. Unlike migratory birds, these partridges must cope with winter within the same farmland landscape.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia