Malayan Partridge Arborophila campbelli Scientific name definitions

c. 28 cm; two adults 320g and 352·6 g. Head distinctively patterned in black and white (amount of white varying individually); upperparts mainly olive-brown, paler wing edgings; throat rather sparsely feathered reddish-orange; plain grey below , becoming whiter towards belly; iris brown, broad area of reddish-orange skin around eye; bill black; legs red. Sexes similar, female often somewhat duller on head (being washed olive), smaller and perhaps has duller bare parts. Juvenile is usually washed rufous above and more rufous below, with some barring on breast, pale shaft-streaks.

Mountains of Peninsular Malaysia.

Montane forest , at c. 1000–1600 m (principally above 1100 m); found in upper dipterocarp zone, as well as in montane evergreen and tall upper montane forest. Prefers well-developed forest with dense undergrowth, but in Campbell Highlands survives in small forest patches (as tiny as 5 ha) surrounded by tea plantations.

Few data. Fruits of rattan palms, red fruits of Pratia begoniaefolia creeper, termites (Isoptera) and gastropods found in stomachs from Genting Highlands (N of Kuala Lumpur). Observed in pairs or small coveys that are presumed to be family parties.

Generally considered similar to A. sumatrana, A. orientalis and A. brunneopectus, but softer and longer than voice of Rhizothera longirostris. Advertises with series  of ringing whistles (up to 25 in c. 20 seconds), “oii oii oii...”, turning into shorter series of c. 12 disyllabic notes, “pi-hor”, the second part an octave lower; latter series sometimes given on its own. Advertisement calls heard virtually year-round. In alarm, gives a weak but rapidly repeated “wut-wit, wut-wit, wut-wit...”.

Eggs found in Mar. Very few nests known, a flat loosely woven pad c. 15 cm across, made from twigs and leaves, placed on ground beneath palm; one had a tunnel leading into a deep pad of leaves. Clutch four eggs, possibly more, white, size 42 mm × 31·5–32 mm; no information on incubation and fledging periods.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Population not quantified, but species said to be sparsely distributed (2 Madge, S., and P. McGowan (2002). Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse, including Buttonquails, Sandgrouse and Allies. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ). No evidence of any decline in numbers. As much of its range is inaccessible to humans, this partridge is thought unlikely to be at risk of much serious habitat loss.