A significant number of the red legged partridge
here at the Mira al Tajo Estate, are wild birds bred & are traditionally
driven to speed over the line as single birds & in coveys.
Spanish
red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa):
The Spanish Red Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) is a
well proportioned, very handsome game bird that has challenged shooting
sportsmen for many years. Their speed and height varies depending on
the wind and terrain. They vary their flight pattern much more than
Scottish Grouse. In one drive you can get birds almost out of range
quickly followed by a large covey at treetop height.
Many argue, that properly presented in hilly terrain, the red partridge
is the most challenging game bird in the skies.This is exemplified at
Mira al Tajo where the Club show partridge in true high bird style.
The red legged partridge's natural range includes Spain and Portugal
, except northern coastal strip and higher Pyrenees, much of west, central
and southern France, Corsica, Elba and northern Italy. Introduced also
to Britain where it is found throughout east,
central and southern England and sometimes further north , in Wales
Eastern Scotland and Devon , where the inclement weather affects the
birds normal robust performance seen in its natural environment.
Larger
than the grey partridge, it has a large white china and throat patch,
bordered with black , it has a greyish body with bold black flank stripes,
and a chestnut-sided tail.
Their
habitat is mainly dry, rocky hillsides like other Alectoris partridges.
Most are resident, only those in the highest areas migrate up and down
with the seasons. The subspecies Nominate is found in Britain, France,
Corsica and Italy, the darker hispanica in northern Spain.
Facts
The
breeding season for spanish partridge begins in late April to early
May.
If
you'd like to learn more about partridges, pheasants, quail and other
game bird visit
this site.
Click Here
to email Club de la Perdiz de Cienvalles for all your partridge shooting
& small game hunting enquiries.
