The Hainan partridge is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is endemic to Hainan Island, China. Its natural habitats are primary evergreen forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and has been assessed as a vulnerable species.
Region
South China
Typical Environment
Restricted to the central mountainous areas of Hainan Island, especially in primary evergreen broadleaf forest with dense understory. It favors intact, mature forest but may use well-regenerated secondary forest where cover is thick. Birds keep close to the forest floor, foraging in leaf litter and along shaded gullies. Occurrences are clustered in protected reserves such as Bawangling, Jianfengling, Limushan, and Wuzhishan.
Altitude Range
600–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive forest partridge is found only on Hainan Island, China, where it keeps to dense evergreen broadleaf forest. It often calls in clear, whistled duets at dawn and dusk, which makes detecting it easier than seeing it. Habitat loss and fragmentation from logging and plantation expansion have driven declines, and it is currently assessed as Vulnerable.
An illustration by of a Hainan Partridge
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers running to flying
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family coveys moving quietly through dense understory. Nests are placed on the ground, usually a leaf-lined scrape concealed by vegetation. Likely monogamous, with breeding in the wet season when food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes often delivered as duets between mates, carrying well through the forest. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and may accelerate slightly toward the end.
