The chestnut-headed partridge is a bird species in the family Phasianidae. It is found in highland forest in Cambodia, specifically the Cardamom Mountains. The Siamese partridge, subspecies A. c. diversa, has sometimes been considered as a separate species..
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen and semi-evergreen montane forests of the Cardamom and nearby highlands in southwestern Cambodia. It favors dense understory with bamboo, rattan, and thickets along ridges and stream gullies. The species is largely terrestrial, keeping to shaded leaf-littered floors. Habitat loss and hunting pressure constrain it to relatively intact forest blocks.
Altitude Range
300–1400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive forest partridge is restricted to the highlands of southwestern Cambodia, chiefly in the Cardamom and adjacent ranges. It forages quietly on the forest floor and is most often detected by its distinctive duet-like whistles at dawn and dusk. The Siamese partridge (often treated as Arborophila diversa) has sometimes been considered a subspecies of this bird, reflecting ongoing taxonomic debate.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family coveys that keep close cover on the forest floor. Nests are placed on the ground in dense vegetation, with breeding likely aligned to the early rainy season. Pairs often maintain small territories and communicate with soft contact calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled duet with one bird giving a rising note followed by a shorter reply from its mate, repeated at intervals. Vocal activity peaks at dawn and dusk and carries well through the forest. Alarm calls are abrupt, clucking notes as the birds slip into thicker cover.
