Birdwatching Opportunities in washington

Gray Partridge

Perdix perdix

Gray Partridge - Birdwatching in Okanogan County Photo by Mary Kiesau

"The Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix) is also known as the Hungarian Partridge, or around these parts, especially for game bird hunters, simply "Huns." Like many of our other "game birds," they were introduced from Europe around 1900 or so. I've never seen one in a pear tree, in fact I don't see them much in the mid to upper Methow Valley where I live, but they can be locally common in various spots throughout Okanogan County. They don't migrate and are active year-round, generally sticking to cultivated or old agriculture land, or flat grassy, shrub-steppe areas. Huns sure are a treat to see if you are lucky to spot one, the males in particular like the one pictured here. Just be prepared to walk slowly through a lot of old hay fields and grasslands if you want to add this bird to your list!"



Fun Facts!

Information from the Seattle Audubon Society
  • Gray Partridges are foragers and typically eat seeds, waste grain, leaves, and insects.
  • Gray Partridge females lay between some of the largest known clutches of any bird species in the world, 10-22 eggs per brood.
  • This grayish-brown bird measures roughly 13 inches and has a gray bill.