Tibetan partridge

Lore & Background

The Tibetan partridge was originally described by Brian Houghton Hodgson, who based the scientific name Sacfa hodgsoniae on the Tibetan name Sakpha. The species commemorates Hodgson's first wife, Anne Scott. Phylogenetic studies place it as basal within the genus Perdix. There are three subspecies, differing mainly in plumage darkness and the extent of black on the cheek and collar: P. h. caraganae has a narrow pale yellowish chestnut nuchal collar; P. h. hodgsoniae has a broad dark chestnut collar with black extending below the throat; and P. h. sifanica has restricted black on the cheek.

Reader's Guide

The Tibetan partridge is a non-migratory terrestrial species that inhabits mountain slopes and high meadows with Rhododendron bushes, dwarf juniper, or other scrub for cover, typically between 3,600 and 4,250 m. It moves to lower altitude desert plains in winter and may ascend to the snowline in summer. The species is seed-eating, but young birds take insects as an essential protein supply.

Outside the breeding season, it forms flocks of 10–15 birds that tend to run rather than fly; when disturbed, the flock flies a short distance on rounded wings, scattering noisily before gliding downhill to regroup. In summer, beginning around mid-March, birds pair up in monogamous bonds. The nest is a grass-lined depression, sometimes without lining, placed on bare rocky plateaus, in thorny scrub, or even in standing crops, often close to paths.

The typical clutch of 8–10 brownish-buff eggs is laid during May to June, and the male assists in looking after the young. The usual call, heard mainly in the mornings, is a rattling scherrrrreck-scherrrrreck, and the flight call is a shrill chee chee chee. In Lhasa, the birds prefer stream belts with scrub and, in winter, south-facing slopes and open fields; they sometimes rest under bushes during the day and roost under dense scrub at higher elevations at night.

Did You Know?

• Neither males nor females have spurs on their legs.
• The head and breast pattern provide good cryptic camouflage in its rocky habitat.