The Taiwan partridge or Taiwan hill partridge is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is found only in Taiwan, and its natural habitat is broadleaf forests. It is threatened by habitat loss, but at present is categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as being of least concern.
Region
Taiwan
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen broadleaf and mixed conifer–broadleaf forests with dense understory, including bamboo thickets and ferny ground cover. Prefers steep ravines, forested slopes, and areas near streams where leaf litter accumulates. It avoids open farmland and heavily disturbed habitats, though it may use forest edges. Typically found in low to mid-montane zones across the island where continuous canopy and cover exist.
Altitude Range
300–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Taiwan partridge is a shy, ground-dwelling hill partridge found only in Taiwan’s forested mountains. It is most often detected by its clear, whistled duet rather than seen. Although listed as Least Concern, it is sensitive to understory degradation and fragmentation. Maintaining intact broadleaf forest with dense cover is key to its persistence.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family coveys that keep close to dense cover. Nests on the ground in concealed sites lined with leaves. Likely monogamous, with both adults attentive to brood. Activity is mostly crepuscular, with birds foraging quietly along forest floor trails.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes often given as duets between mates, carrying well through forest. Calls accelerate slightly and can be heard at dawn and dusk. Alarm calls are sharper, chipping notes from dense cover.
Plumage
Compact, rounded partridge with mostly brown upperparts, fine mottling, and barred or spotted flanks. Underparts are dusky with pale spotting, giving a scaly look. The head shows contrasting darker facial areas with paler throat and greyish crown.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, fallen fruits and berries, tender shoots, and a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, ants, and worms. Scratches through leaf litter to uncover hidden prey and fallen plant matter. Opportunistically takes small snails and other soft-bodied invertebrates. Diet varies seasonally with fruiting and insect abundance.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded forest floor, especially along quiet trails, stream margins, and under bamboo or fern thickets. Prefers areas with deep leaf litter and abundant cover to retreat quickly from danger.
