The French Partridge

The red-legged partridge is a game bird in the partridge family sometimes known as French Partridge. Originating from France and Italy, the French is not bred on the large, commercial scale in the United States as its close cousin the chukar. With saying this, MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc. imports all French Partridge eggs directly from L’envol de Retz, which is located in France. Breeding research is being done on some of the largest flocks in the world in France so importing the eggs every year maintains the purest strain of the French Partridge.

The French Red-Legged Partridge is a rotund bird, with a light brown back, grey breast and buff belly. It has streaked flanks and red legs. The French has a white forehead and a broken black line on their neck and throat which distinguishes them from the chukar. Body weight ranges from 19 to 26 ounces and body size is 13 to 15 inches in length. This species is hardy, able to withstand the extremes of temperature and easy to keep in captivity. They prefer a more grassland like habitat which consists of small grain or bushy terrain. The French is a fast and strong flying bird. They hold well in cover and get up and go when flushed. They use their deep chest to propel themselves uphill and flush downhill often giving hunters numerous chances. The French Partridge can scurry across the ground at quick speeds to avoid predators, thus considering this bird a treasured catch for hunters looking to add speed to their hunts. So if you are looking for something unique to separate yourself from the rest, the French Partridge maybe what you are looking for.