Philby's partridge or Philby's rock partridge, is a relative of the chukar, red-legged partridge and barbary partridges and is native to southwestern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen. Although similar in appearance to other Alectoris species, Philby's partridge can be distinguished by its black cheeks and throat. Although not currently listed as an endangered species, the Arab Spring and destruction of its fragile habitat in the tribal areas of Northern Yemen had led to concerns about the survival of this species. The name commemorates the British explorer St John Philby.
Region
Southwestern Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Found in the highlands of northern Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia, especially on steep rocky slopes, escarpments, and terraced hillsides. It favors broken terrain with scattered shrubs, juniper or acacia scrub, and nearby cultivated plots. Birds often keep close to cover and use boulder fields and wadis for shelter. In dry seasons they concentrate near reliable water sources and shaded slopes.
Altitude Range
1500–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Philby's partridge is a highland gamebird of the southwestern Arabian Peninsula and a close relative of the chukar. It is easily told from other Alectoris species by its black cheeks and throat neatly bordered in white. The species name commemorates the British explorer St John Philby. Although not considered globally endangered, ongoing habitat degradation and conflict in parts of Yemen raise conservation concerns.
Temperament
wary and alert, but forms cohesive groups
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides, often downhill
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it gathers in small coveys that forage and roost together. Pairs form in spring, with ground nests placed under shrubs or rocks. Clutches are relatively large for a gamebird, and both adults guard the brood.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations resemble the chukar’s, with a series of accelerating chuckles and clucks that carry over rocky hillsides. Contact calls are sharper and used to keep coveys together, while males give louder, more insistent advertising calls during breeding.
