The crested partridge, also known as the crested wood partridge, roul-roul, red-crowned wood partridge, green wood quail, and green wood partridge is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes, gallinaceous birds. It is the only member of the genus Rollulus.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen rainforests of southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra, with local presence on nearby islands. Prefers dense, shaded understory with abundant leaf litter and often stays near watercourses and swampy forest. It tolerates some selectively logged and secondary forest but declines with heavy fragmentation. Typically avoids open areas and plantations, keeping under thick cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the roul-roul, this ground-dwelling partridge is the only member of its genus. Males are striking with a scarlet erectile crest and a neat pale eye ring, while females are olive-green and lack the crest. Despite foraging on the forest floor, they often roost on low branches at night. Both parents participate in caring for the chicks, which quickly follow adults through dense undergrowth.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, whirring flights
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups moving quietly through dense understory. Nests are shallow scrapes in leaf litter, well concealed and often roofed with gathered leaves. Both male and female share incubation and brood care. Chicks are precocial and stay close to the adults.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives clear, fluty whistles and ringing roul-roul notes used for contact and advertising. Soft clucks and low whistles keep pairs together in thick cover, with sharper alarm calls when disturbed.
