The grey partridge is common in parts, but is becoming scarce around much of the country. A farmland bird, it feeds on seeds, leaves and small invertebrates. When disturbed, it prefers to run instead of fly, but will fly low to the ground if necessary. It breeds in open scrub and farmland, close to hedges or other vegetation, laying its eggs on the ground in a grass-lined scrape.
How to identify
The grey partridge has an orange face and black horseshoe-shaped patch on its belly. It is grey-brown above with a grey chest and orange-brown stripes down the flanks.
Did you know?
Also known as the 'English partridge', the grey partridge lays the largest number of eggs of any bird - in some place, up to 19 eggs can form a clutch!
