The rock partridge or common rock partridge is a gamebird in the pheasant family, Phasianidae, of the order Galliformes. It is native to southern Europe, and is closely related and very similar to its eastern equivalent, the chukar partridge, A. chukar.
Region
Southern Europe
Typical Environment
Occurs in mountainous and hilly terrain from the Balkans and Greece through parts of the Alps and the Apennines, including Sicily. Favors dry, rocky slopes, scree, and open scrub with scattered juniper, thorn, or dwarf pines. It also uses alpine meadows, grazing pastures, and mosaic farmlands with stone terraces. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden under shrubs or rocks. Water is taken from springs or seeps, but the species can use dew and succulent plants when open water is scarce.
Altitude Range
200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The rock partridge is a stout, ground-dwelling gamebird of rugged limestone hills and alpine foothills in southern Europe. It closely resembles the chukar but tends to have colder grey tones and subtle differences in face pattern. Populations have been affected by habitat change and hybridization with released chukars for hunting. It typically forms coveys outside the breeding season and relies on camouflage and rapid uphill running to evade predators.
Rock partridge
Alectoris graeca graeca
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding, usually downhill
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it gathers in coveys of 5–15 birds that roost and feed together. Pairs form in late winter; nesting is on the ground under cover, with clutches of numerous eggs. Mostly monogamous, with the female incubating while the male guards nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of accelerating chuckles and clucking notes reminiscent of chukar, often delivered from prominent rocks. Alarm calls are sharp, rasping clucks and cackles when flushed.
Plumage
Compact partridge with cool grey-brown upperparts, buff underparts, and boldly barred flanks. White throat bordered by a sharp black necklace that extends through the eye, with fine black streaking on the breast sides. Tail shows warm rufous tones; flight feathers are darker slate-grey.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds, green shoots, leaves, and buds of forbs and grasses. Berries and small bulbs are taken seasonally. Insects and other invertebrates, especially beetles and ants, are important for chicks and are also taken by adults in spring and summer.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open rocky slopes, pasture edges, and scrubby hillsides, often near low shrub cover for quick concealment. Will feed along paths, terraces, and field margins in traditional agricultural mosaics.
