Partridge
Alectoris
Ammoperdix
Arborophila
Bambusicola
Haematortyx
Lerwa
Margaroperdix
Melanoperdix
Perdix
Ptilopachus
Rhizothera
Rollulus
Tetraophasis
Xenoperdix
Partridges are birds in the pheasant family, Phasianidae. They are a non-migratory Old World group.
These are medium-sized birds, intermediate between the larger pheasants and the smaller quails. Partridges are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Partridges are ground-nesting seed-eaters.
According to Greek legend, the first partridge appeared when Daedalus threw his nephew, Perdix, off a roof in a fit of jealous rage.
Partridges famously appear as part of the first gift listed in the Christmas carol, "The 12 Days of Christmas". As such, "A partridge in a pear tree" is sung as the last line of each chorus.
Read more about Partridge: Species List in Taxonomic Order
Famous quotes containing the word partridge:
“The first day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.”
—Unknown. The Twelve Days of Christmas (l. 1–3)
“I stand where Papa stood. I wear Papa’s robes.”
—Deborah Partridge Wolfe (b. 1916)
“The partridge and the rabbit are still sure to thrive, like true natives of the soil, whatever revolutions occur. If the forest is cut off, the sprouts and bushes which spring up afford them concealment, and they become more numerous than ever. That must be a poor country indeed that does not support a hare. Our woods teem with them both.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)