Barbary Partridge Juvenile Pair

Barbary Partridge Juvenile Pair

The Barbary Partridge is native to northern Africa and can be found in small pockets of southern Europe along the Mediterranean coast. It’s also the national bird of Gibraltar and great lengths have been taken to protect their dwindling numbers including the designation of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve as a European Special Protected Area.

A compact bird with a grey breast and back, buff-colored belly, and red legs. The wings have a deep rust and white barred pattern, while the face is light grey with a rust-colored neck ring. The sexes are similar in coloring and size, standing approximately 13 inches tall and weighing roughly 15 ounces.

Males and females will have monogamous pairs for breeding but brooding is done by only the females. Males can get aggressive while defending their female partner and nesting territory. A successful nest may have up to 15 eggs and incubation is 24-26 days. Chicks (cheepers) will fledge around 3 weeks.

Barbary Partridges prefer a diet of seeds but will consume insects as well.

Habitat area is traditionally rocky, open, and dry. Preferring to run from threats and seeking cover under low brush rather than give flight.

Listen to their sound.