The green-legged partridge, also known as the scaly-breasted partridge or green-legged hill-partridge, is a bird species in the family Phasianidae. It is found in forest in Indochina, ranging slightly into southernmost China (Yunnan). The Vietnam partridge is now usually considered a subspecies.
Region
Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen and mixed evergreen-deciduous forests, often with bamboo undergrowth. Prefers dense understory and thickets where it forages on the forest floor. Found in lowlands and foothills and can persist in selectively logged or secondary forests if cover remains. It avoids open habitats and typically stays close to cover and streamside thickets.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the scaly-breasted or green-legged hill-partridge, this shy ground-dweller inhabits dense forests across Indochina and reaches into southern Yunnan, China. Birds are often detected by their whistled duets before they are seen. The Vietnam partridge is commonly treated as a subspecies within this complex. Habitat loss and hunting pressure affect local populations, though the species remains relatively widespread.
Green-legged partridge
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small coveys that stay close together while foraging. Nests are on or near the ground, concealed in dense cover. Likely forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season, with both adults remaining near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled notes often in duets, with phrases that accelerate or rise slightly in pitch. Calls carry through dense forest and are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Underparts finely scaled with pale centers and dark edges giving a scaly look; upperparts warm brown with subtle mottling. Head shows a rufous-toned crown, pale throat bordered by a darker malar stripe, and greyish sides of neck. The overall impression is of a compact, well-camouflaged partridge with distinct scaling below.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, fallen fruits, tender shoots, and a variety of invertebrates such as insects, termites, and small snails. Scratches through leaf litter to uncover food items. Diet varies seasonally with fruiting and insect abundance and includes opportunistic gleaning along trails.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages on the shaded forest floor in dense understory, bamboo clumps, and near stream edges. It uses cover to remain concealed while moving slowly and scratching for food.
