Red-legged Partridge

Description:

The Red-legged Partridge was introduced to Britain in the 1600s by Charles II, having brought them from France to provide target practice for guns. They are now resident and outnumber our native Grey Partridge. Males and females are alike and are very attractive game birds: Upperparts are uniform grey-brown. Head is boldly marked with a white stripe above the eye, black stripe through the eye, a white chin and throat with a black necklace. Flanks are boldly marked with black, chestnut and white bars. Breast is blue-grey. Red bill, legs and eye ring.

Habitat:

Red-legged Partridge have a similar diet to Grey Partridge, chiefly leaves, roots and seeds of grasses, cereals and weeds, and occasionally insects especially when feeding chicks.