Crimson-headed Partridge
Haematortyx sanguiniceps
The Crimson-headed Partridge (Haematortyx sanguiniceps) is a rare partridges, pheasants, grouse, and alli found in 2 countries, weighing about 300 g. The crimson-headed partridge is a species of bird in the pheasant, partridge, and francolin family Phasianidae.
About the Crimson-headed Partridge
The crimson-headed partridge is a species of bird in the pheasant, partridge, and francolin family Phasianidae. Described by the British ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe in 1879, it is the only species in the genus Haematortyx. It is endemic to Borneo, where it inhabits lower montane forest in the northern and central parts of the island. It is mainly found at elevations of 1,000–1,700 m (3,300–5,600 ft), but can be seen as low as 185 m (607 ft) and as high as 3,050 m (10,010 ft). Adult males have a striking appearance, with a dark blackish body and crimson red heads, necks, breasts, and undertail coverts. Females have a similar pattern, but with duller brownish-black colouration,…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
A striking species of partridge, the crimson-headed partridge has an average length of around 25 cm (9.8 in) and the weight of one measured male was 330 g (12 oz). Adult males have a distinctive appearance; the heads, necks, and breasts, along with the final section of the undertail coverts, are crimson red, while the rest of the body is dark blackish. The bill is yellow to yellowish white, the iris is brown with a yellow orbital ring, and the feet are grey with one to three tarsal spurs. Voice: The crimson-headed partridge's song is harsh, loud, repeated call rendered as KRO-krang, kong-krrang, or whu-kweng. It is frequently given alternately by two individuals. A grating, clucking kak-kak-kak, ok-ak-ok, krak-krak or whu-keng-keng-keng-kok-kok is also made when excited.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Crimson-headed Partridge?
- A striking species of partridge, the crimson-headed partridge has an average length of around 25 cm (9.8 in) and the weight of one measured male was 330 g (12 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Crimson-headed Partridge?
- The Crimson-headed Partridge is a large sized bird weighing about 300 g.
- Where can you see a Crimson-headed Partridge?
- The Crimson-headed Partridge occurs in 2 countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia.
- What birds look similar to a Crimson-headed Partridge?
- The Crimson-headed Partridge is most easily confused with the Green Junglefowl, the Blood Pheasant and the Bornean Crested Fireback.
- Is the Crimson-headed Partridge endangered?
- The Crimson-headed Partridge is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Crimson-headed Partridge for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.