The chestnut-necklaced partridge is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is found in forests in the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. It is threatened by habitat loss and trapping. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as vulnerable.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill evergreen rainforests of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. It favors dense understory with abundant leaf litter, including primary forest and well-structured secondary forest. Birds often keep to thickets, bamboo patches, and streamside tangles where cover is close. It is largely terrestrial and seldom flies unless flushed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy forest partridge is named for the rich chestnut band that forms a ‘necklace’ across its lower throat and upper breast. It spends most of its time on the forest floor, where it forages quietly in pairs or small family groups. Habitat loss and trapping have reduced its numbers, and it is considered vulnerable.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats in explosive bursts
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family parties moving quietly through dense understory. Likely monogamous, with ground nests hidden among roots or dense vegetation. Clutches are typically several eggs, and adults lead chicks soon after hatching to forage on the forest floor.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled notes often in duet, the phrases rising and repeated at intervals. Calls carry through the forest, especially at dawn and dusk, and may accelerate into a rapid series when excited.
Plumage
Rich brown upperparts with darker mottling and fine vermiculations, contrasting with greyer head and scaly underparts. A bold chestnut band forms a distinct necklace across the lower throat/upper breast. Throat paler with darker edging; flanks barred or scalloped. Feathers are tight and sleek, giving a smooth, rounded appearance.
Diet
Forages by scratching through leaf litter for seeds, fallen fruits, and tender shoots. Supplements plant matter with invertebrates such as ants, termites, beetles, and small snails. Diet varies seasonally with fruiting and insect availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the shaded forest floor of primary and mature secondary rainforest. Often keeps close to dense thickets, bamboo stands, and along stream margins where cover is abundant.
