Arborophila mandellii
The Chestnut-breasted Partridge (Arborophila mandellii) is a strikingly beautiful and highly reclusive gamebird, primarily inhabiting the dense montane forests of the eastern Himalayas. Measuring approximately 28 cm (11 inches) in length, its most distinctive feature is the rich chestnut band across its breast, contrasting sharply with a grey head, bright white throat, and a vivid red orbital ring surrounding the eye. The back and wings are a mottled olive-brown, providing excellent camouflag...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, favoring dense undergrowth and bamboo thickets at elevations typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters (3,300-8,200 feet).
Its diet primarily consists of insects, including grubs, beetles, and larvae, supplemented with seeds, berries, tubers, and other plant matter found by scratching and probing in the forest floor litter.
The Chestnut-breasted Partridge is a diurnal and exceptionally shy bird, spending most of its time foraging stealthily on the forest floor, often detected only by its distinctive calls. It typically moves in pairs or small family coveys of 4-8 individuals, especially outside the breeding season, ...
The Chestnut-breasted Partridge is endemic to the eastern Himalayas, with its primary distribution concentrated in northeastern India and Bhutan. In India, it is found in specific high-altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Bhutan represents a s...
Vulnerable
- This partridge was 'rediscovered' in Bhutan in 2007, after not being reliably observed there for over 60 years, highlighting its extreme elusiveness. - Its loud, two-note whistle is often the only clue to its presence, as it rarely shows itself to observers. - The scientific name honors Louis M...