A significant number of the red legged partridge on our shooting estate, are wild bred birds & 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
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Number of Eggs: 10-15
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Incubation: 23 days
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Fledging: 10 days
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Length: 32-34cm
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Wingspan: 47-50cm
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Weight: 400-550g
The breeding season for spanish partridge begins in late April to early May.
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