The Gray Partridge is a small bird that looks a little like a chicken. It is about 11.8–13 inches (30–33 cm) long and has a wingspan of about 21–22.1 inches (53–56 cm). It weighs about 13.6–17.6 ounces (385–500 g).
The Gray Partridge has a gray neck and chest and a rusty-red face and head. Its wings and tail feathers are shades of brown, rust, white, and gray. It has short, rounded wings and a small bill.
Male Gray Partridges often have a dark brown U-shaped patch on their belly. Females may have a smaller patch or no patch at all.
The Gray Partridge lives in open areas, farmland, grasslands, and brush.
Most of the Gray Partridge’s diet is grains. It also occasionally eats insects.
The female Gray Partridge lays 8-10 eggs in a shallow depression lined with grass. The eggs take a little over three weeks to incubate. The chicks begin to fly when they are about two weeks old.
The Gray Partridge has a lifespan of 1-3 years in the wild.
Gray Partridges are non-territorial during the non-breeding season and live in large groups or coveys.
Males can be aggressive towards each other during mating season. Males and females pair up in the spring for mating.
The Gray Partridge is also called the Hungarian Partridge or hun.
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The Gray Partridge is a non-native species in North America. It is originally from Europe and Asia.
It was introduced to North America as a game bird and is now found in the north-central United States and south-central Canada.
It is also found in Europe and western Asia.
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