Philby's Partridge
Alectoris philbyi
The Philby's Partridge (Alectoris philbyi) is a legendary partridges, pheasants, grouse, and alli found in 2 countries, weighing about 441 g. Philby's partridge or Philby's rock partridge, is a relative of the chukar, red-legged partridge and barbary partridges and is native to southwestern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen.
About the Philby's Partridge
Philby's partridge or Philby's rock partridge, is a relative of the chukar, red-legged partridge and barbary partridges and is native to southwestern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen. Although similar in appearance to other Alectoris species, Philby's partridge can be distinguished by its black cheeks and throat. Although not currently listed as an endangered species, the Arab Spring and destruction of its fragile habitat in the tribal areas of Northern Yemen had led to concerns about the survival of this species. The name commemorates the British explorer St John Philby.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Philby's partridge is similar in appearance to the chukar partridge and has greyish-brown plumage with the flanks boldly banded in black and pale buff. It differs from that species in having black cheeks and throat, and a thin white line separates this from the greyish-blue head and nape. The beak and legs are pink.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November, with peak activity in October. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Philby's Partridge?
- Philby's partridge is similar in appearance to the chukar partridge and has greyish-brown plumage with the flanks boldly banded in black and pale buff. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Philby's Partridge?
- The Philby's Partridge is a large sized bird weighing about 441 g.
- Where can you see a Philby's Partridge?
- The Philby's Partridge occurs in 2 countries, including Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
- What birds look similar to a Philby's Partridge?
- The Philby's Partridge is most easily confused with the Przevalski's Partridge, the Arabian Partridge and the Barbary Partridge.
- Is the Philby's Partridge endangered?
- The Philby's Partridge is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Philby's 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.