The Sumatran partridge, or Sumatran hill partridge, is a bird species in the family Phasianidae. It is found in highland forest in central Sumatra, Indonesia. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the grey-breasted partridge.
Region
Sumatra, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Barisan Mountains of central Sumatra, mainly in primary and mature secondary montane forest. It favors dense understory, bamboo thickets, and rattan tangles on steep slopes and along stream gullies. Birds keep to the forest floor, using leaf litter and root buttresses for cover. It can persist in selectively logged forest if ground cover remains intact but avoids highly disturbed edges.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sumatran partridge is a shy, ground-dwelling hill partridge found only in Sumatra’s central highlands. It stays under dense understory cover and is far more often heard than seen, giving soft whistles from the forest floor. It was once lumped with the grey-breasted partridge of Java but differs in subtle plumage and voice. Ongoing habitat loss and snaring pressure threaten its small, localized populations.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers running to flying
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family coveys that keep close contact with soft calls. Nests are placed on the ground, concealed in dense vegetation, with a small clutch typical of hill partridges. Breeding behavior is thought to involve strong pair bonds and cooperative vigilance within coveys.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of clear, mellow whistles and soft, repeated notes delivered from the ground or low perches. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and carry surprising distance through montane forest.
