Arborophila atrogularis
The White-cheeked Partridge, *Arborophila atrogularis*, is a striking yet elusive ground-dwelling bird found in the dense undergrowth of subtropical Asian forests. Measuring approximately 27-30 cm in length and weighing between 300-400 grams, its plumage is predominantly olive-brown on the upperparts, contrasting sharply with a prominent white cheek patch and a broad black throat. Its underparts are a pale grey, often washed with rufous on the flanks, and it possesses a distinctive small patc...
Inhabits the dense undergrowth of subtropical and tropical evergreen or mixed deciduous forests, frequently found in hilly or mountainous terrain from lowlands up to approximately 2,000 meters elevation.
Feeds primarily on a variety of invertebrates such as insects, larvae, small mollusks, and spiders, supplemented by seeds, fallen fruits, roots, and small tubers obtained by scratching vigorously in leaf litter.
This highly secretive, diurnal partridge spends most of its time on the forest floor, foraging actively by scratching through leaf litter for food, and roosting communally in dense vegetation at night. It typically moves in small, cohesive coveys of 3-7 individuals, likely consisting of a family ...
The White-cheeked Partridge is a resident species distributed across a restricted range in South and Southeast Asia. Its primary stronghold is in Northeast India, specifically across the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. The species also exten...
Least Concern
- The White-cheeked Partridge's striking white cheek and black throat pattern are uniquely prominent among its genus, making it relatively easier to identify than some of its more cryptically colored relatives. - Its distinctive, mournful 'coo-coo' call is often the primary, if not the only, clue...