Family Pheasants, Partridges, Turkeys, Grouse (Phasianidae)
Least Concern
Madagascar Partridge (Margaroperdix madagarensis)
Taxonomy
French: Caille de Madagascar German: Perlwachtel Spanish: Perdiz malgache
Taxonomy:
Tetrao madagarensis
Scopoli
, 1786,Madagascar
.Genus is sister to Coturnix#R. Emendation of species name to madagascarensis or madagascariensis is not justified, as present spelling is the original one. Monotypic.
Distribution:
Madagascar (except extreme S).
Introduced to Reunion.
Descriptive notes
c. 26–30 cm; c. 220–250 g. Small hindclaw. Slightly larger male quite unmistakable, with striking patterns on head and underparts. Female all dull brownish, but... read more
Voice
Considered to be generally rather silent. Advertising call is apparently a loud, repeated “... read more
Habitat
Forest areas and brushland, mostly frequenting secondary habitats; also found in grassland,... read more
Food and feeding
Few data available, other than that stomach contents of one female consisted solely of small seeds; also feeds on berries, roots and... read more
Breeding
Mating system unknown. Probably territorial. Nests in Mar–Jun on High Plateau, though female specimen taken in SE Madagascar in Sept... read more
Movements
No information available; presumably sedentary.
Status and conservation
Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Mace Lande: vulnerable. Considered a candidate for inclusion in Red Data Book in 1985. Formerly common in E & C Madagascar, but... read more
Italian name
Pernice del Madagascar