Tropicoperdix charltonii
The Chestnut-necklaced Partridge (Tropicoperdix charltonii), a strikingly patterned member of the Phasianidae family, captivates with its elusive nature and vibrant plumage. Measuring approximately 26-32 cm (10-12.5 inches) in length, this medium-sized partridge is instantly recognizable by the broad, deep chestnut band that encircles its upper breast and nape, giving it its common name. Its head features a complex mosaic of rufous-chestnut on the crown, a greyish face, and a distinct black p...
This partridge thrives in dense, lowland and submontane evergreen broadleaf forests, often preferring areas with thick undergrowth, bamboo thickets, or secondary jungle near watercourses. It is typically found at elevations below 1,000 meters, though occasionally recorded up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily an omnivore, its diet consists largely of invertebrates such as ants, termites, beetles, and small molluscs, supplemented with a variety of seeds, shoots, and fallen fruits gleaned from the forest floor. It forages by methodically scratching and probing through leaf litter and soft soil.
The Chestnut-necklaced Partridge is a predominantly diurnal and terrestrial bird, spending its days foraging covertly amidst the forest floor's leaf litter. Its shy and secretive nature means it is far more frequently heard than seen, with its distinctive loud, ringing calls echoing through the d...
The Chestnut-necklaced Partridge is endemic to the humid tropical and subtropical lowland and submontane forests of Southeast Asia, with a notably fragmented distribution. Its primary range encompasses specific areas of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. The nominate subspecies, *T. c. cha...
Near Threatened
- Despite its striking appearance, the Chestnut-necklaced Partridge is notoriously difficult to observe in the wild due to its shy and secretive nature within dense forest habitats. - Its distinctive "necklaced" pattern is one of the most prominent field marks, serving as a clear identification c...