Red partridge

A non-native partridge that may be present where gamebirds are released.

About this label

These birds generally do not form established wild populations in Quebec. Hunting opportunities mainly involve captive-raised birds released for hunting, dog training, or competition activities. Regular season, licence, zone, and gear rules still apply.

Official Quebec source

Field guide

A non-native partridge that may be present where gamebirds are released.

Identification

Shared features

Red bill and legs, white throat bordered in black, and boldly barred flanks.

Male

Male red-legged partridges have a red bill and legs, white throat framed black and boldly barred sides. Males may show a larger leg spur, but plumage is much like the female's.

Female

Females have the same red bill, face border and barred flanks. Spurs are often smaller or absent; young birds are duller, and sex is not reliably judged by color alone.

Habitat

Dry grass, rough fields and brushy or rocky margins near release sites.

Where to look during the day

Morning

At dawn, check open ground beside low cover for feeding birds.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, birds may shelter beneath shrubs or in rough grass.

Evening

At dusk, watch edges as small groups feed again.

Sounds

A loud, repeated chattering or chucking call.

Recorded calls

Red-legged partridge

Field recording of a red-legged partridge. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

dave2022 · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

-No bag limit or possession limit.

Official bag-limit source