Haematortyx sanguiniceps
The Crimson-headed Partridge, Haematortyx sanguiniceps, is a strikingly beautiful and elusive member of the pheasant family (Phasianidae), known for its vivid scarlet head and throat. Measuring approximately 25-28 cm (10-11 inches) in length and weighing between 280-350 grams (10-12 oz), this medium-sized partridge possesses a predominantly olive-green body plumage, intricately barred with dark brown on the flanks and a deep chestnut-brown on its back and wings, providing excellent camouflage...
Found primarily in dense, undisturbed montane rainforests and cloud forests, ranging from 800 to 2,500 meters (2,600 to 8,200 feet) in elevation.
Primarily omnivorous, their diet consists of a variety of small invertebrates like insects, larvae, and worms, supplemented by seeds, berries, fallen fruits, and tender plant shoots gleaned from the forest floor.
Crimson-headed Partridges are predominantly diurnal, spending their days foraging on the forest floor and roosting communally at night in dense undergrowth or low branches to evade predators. Their foraging strategy involves meticulously scratching through leaf litter and probing soft soil with t...
The Crimson-headed Partridge is endemic to the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, primarily confined to the island of Borneo. Its core breeding range encompasses the montane forests of Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, as well as Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo, and extends into Brunei’s...
Near Threatened
- The Crimson-headed Partridge’s scientific name, Haematortyx sanguiniceps, directly translates to 'blood-red partridge head,' a perfect description of its most striking feature. - Despite its vivid head, its olive-green and chestnut body plumage makes it incredibly difficult to spot in the dense...