Arabian Partridge
Alectoris melanocephala
The Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala) is a rare partridges, pheasants, grouse, and alli found in 4 countries, weighing about 615 g. The Arabian partridge is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae, native to the southern Arabian Peninsula.
About the Arabian Partridge
The Arabian partridge is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae, native to the southern Arabian Peninsula. Two subspecies are recognised, A. m. melanocephala and A. m. guichardi. It sometimes hybridises with Philby's partridge and with the rock partridge.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Larger than other members of its genus, Alectoris, the Arabian partridge reaches a length of about 41 cm (16 in). The sexes are similar in appearance but males are a little larger than females weighing on average 724 grams (25.5 oz) against the female's 522 grams (18.4 oz). The crown and nape are black and there is a broad white band above the eye, separated from the white chin and upper throat by a narrow black line. This starts at the corner of the beak, passes below the eye and forms a "V" shape on the neck.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Arabian Partridge can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Arabian Partridge?
- Larger than other members of its genus, Alectoris, the Arabian partridge reaches a length of about 41 cm (16 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Arabian Partridge?
- The Arabian Partridge is a large sized bird weighing about 615 g.
- Where can you see an Arabian Partridge?
- The Arabian Partridge occurs in 4 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
- What birds look similar to an Arabian Partridge?
- The Arabian Partridge is most easily confused with the Barbary Partridge, the Przevalski's Partridge and the Philby's Partridge.
- Is the Arabian Partridge endangered?
- The Arabian Partridge is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Arabian Partridge for real
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