Melanoperdix niger
The Black Partridge, *Melanoperdix niger*, is a captivating and elusive gamebird found in the dense, lowland rainforests of Southeast Asia. This species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, with males showcasing entirely glossy black plumage, a bright red bill, and vibrant red legs, often punctuated by a distinctive small white spot behind the eye. Females, in stark contrast, are predominantly rufous-brown on their underparts, with a darker brown back and head, also possessing red bills and l...
Found exclusively in primary and mature secondary lowland rainforests, it prefers areas with dense undergrowth and typically occurs at elevations below 1000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on various invertebrates including beetles, ants, termites, and worms, supplemented with fallen berries, seeds, and fruits found on the forest floor.
A highly terrestrial and exceptionally shy species, the Black Partridge is diurnal but very difficult to observe, preferring to remain hidden in dense cover. It forages solitarily, in pairs, or small family coveys by scratching through leaf litter on the forest floor, searching for invertebrates ...
The Black Partridge is native to the Sundaic region of Southeast Asia, with its distribution spanning the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. In the Malay Peninsula, it can be found in southern Thailand and throughout Peninsular Malaysia. On the island of Sumatra, it is widespread in suitable l...
Near Threatened
- The Black Partridge is one of the most sexually dimorphic gamebirds in Southeast Asia, with the male's glossy black contrasting sharply with the female's rufous-brown plumage. - Its scientific name, *Melanoperdix niger*, directly translates to 'black partridge', a testament to the male's striki...