Sand Partridge
NameSand Partridge
Common NameSand Partridge
Scientific NameAmmoperdix heyi
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)24
Weight (g)190
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey head with a prominent white supercilium and a dark stripe through the eye. The body is sandy-brown, with distinctive chestnut and white barring on the flanks. The bill and legs are orange. Females are duller overall with less distinct facial markings and flank barring.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, high-pitched, rapid 'chick-chick-chick' or 'kik-kik-kik' call, often given in alarm or as a contact call.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to the Middle East, found in arid and semi-arid regions from Egypt and Israel eastward through the Arabian Peninsula to parts of Oman and Yemen.
Identifying FeaturesWhite supercilium (stripe above eye), Dark eye stripe (in males), Sandy-brown plumage, Chestnut and white barring on flanks, Orange bill and legs, Prefers rocky desert habitats
Description
The Sand Partridge is a small, plump game bird perfectly camouflaged in its arid environment. It typically forages on the ground for seeds and insects, often found in coveys.
