The Sabah partridge is a bird species in the family Phasianidae. It is found in Borneo.
Region
Borneo (Sabah, Brunei, and northeastern Kalimantan)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and selectively logged lowland and foothill dipterocarp forests, often with dense leaf litter and thick understory. It frequents forest edges, old skid trails, and streamside thickets but generally avoids open farmland. Birds typically keep to the forest floor, slipping between roots and buttresses. Presence is closely tied to intact or semi-intact rainforest structure.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sabah partridge is a shy, ground-dwelling gamebird endemic to the rainforests of Borneo, especially in the Malaysian state of Sabah. It is more often heard than seen, giving clear, whistled duets from dense understory. Continued loss of lowland forest and localized hunting pressure pose risks to this elusive species.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering bursts
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or in small family coveys moving quietly along the forest floor. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground, hidden in dense vegetation and lined with leaves. Pairs maintain small territories and may duet to keep contact.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Clear, whistled notes often given as a duet, the phrases rising in pitch and repeated at intervals. Also utters soft clucks and churrs when alarmed and a rapid series of whistles at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Compact partridge with olive-brown upperparts and fine black-and-buff scaling on the breast and belly. Shows a warm chestnut collar or ‘necklace’ on the sides of the neck, contrasting with a greyer face and throat. Underparts appear barred or scaly; tail short and rounded.
Diet
Forages by scratching through leaf litter for seeds, fallen fruits, and tender shoots. Also takes insects, termites, beetles, and other small invertebrates. Opportunistic around fruiting trees where it picks at dropped items on the forest floor.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along shaded trails, stream margins, and dense understory in lowland to foothill forest. Often stays close to cover, dashing into thickets when disturbed.
