Red-legged Partridge vs Grey Partridge: How to Tell Them Apart

This is a dumpy, attractive and well-marked bird, slightly bigger than the Grey Partridge. Males and females are similar, with red bills and legs, and a white throat with a black spotting pattern in the shape of a necklace. Its body is mostly grey-brown with white and chestnut flanks and a striped back. Juvenile birds have grey-buff plumage and are without the distinct head markings of the adult. When in flight, the wings whirr, then the bird glides on downcurved wings, revealing its red tail.

Most common in eastern England but it is also found farther west; there are small numbers in Scotland, Wales and a few in Ireland. The Red-legged Partridge is associated with arable farmland, tending towards large open fields, especially on sandy or light soils. Can also be found on heathland and coastal grassland.

Quite a vocal bird, uttering a loud 'ke che-che, ke che-che' call.

A smaller game bird than the Pheasant, the Grey Partridge is stout and well camouflaged, with a small head and short legs. The sexes look quite similar; grey and brown finely marked plumage, an orange-buff face, and flanks that are striped with maroon. There's a chestnut mark on the belly which is smaller and less distinct in the female. A reddish tail is revealed in flight. Juvenile birds are streaked and greyish and are without the markings of adults.

This is a resident bird that breeds in lowland Britain and at a few sites in Ireland; the highest numbers are found in central and eastern England and south-east Scotland. The ideal habitat for these birds is a combination of pasture and cereal fields with mature hedgerows. Open areas of low grass are suitable for nesting, provided there is cover and dry areas where the birds are able to dust bathe.

Has a choked, grating 'kierr-ikk', particularly at dawn and dusk. If alarmed, it utters a 'kip-ip-ip' flight call.