The stone partridge is a bird of the New World quail family. This largely brown bird, which commonly holds its tail raised, is found in scrubland and lightly wooded habitats, often near rocks, from Kenya and Ethiopia to Gambia.
Region
Sahel to East African savannas
Typical Environment
Occurs from West Africa east through the Sahel and savanna belt to Ethiopia and Kenya, with strong associations to rocky, broken terrain. Typical habitats include scrubby bushland, lightly wooded savanna, and boulder-strewn hillsides, often near escarpments or inselbergs. It avoids dense forest and true desert, favoring mosaics of grass, shrubs, and scattered trees. Birds often use rocks and termite mounds as lookout and calling posts. Generally sedentary within home ranges.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite living in Africa, the stone partridge belongs to the New World quail family (Odontophoridae), a surprising result from genetic studies. It frequents rocky hillsides and bushy savannas and often holds its tail cocked upright. Pairs commonly give loud antiphonal duets from boulders or termite mounds. It is secretive and more likely to run than fly when disturbed.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers to run
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family coveys. Likely monogamous, with pairs maintaining territories among rocky outcrops. Nests are ground scrapes hidden under grass or shrubs, lined with plant material. Clutch sizes are moderate, and young are precocial, following adults soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, far-carrying whistled notes, often given as an antiphonal duet by pairs from elevated perches. Calls are clear, ringing, and repeated in sequences, especially at dawn and dusk.
