Crested wood partridge

Rollulus rouloul

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

The crested wood partridge, also known as the crested partridge, is a small, plump bird with a short tail and a red ring around each eye. It belongs to the same family as pheasants, turkeys and grouse. Males and females look quite different. The female partridge has a green body, a grey head and brown wings. The male has a green back, a blueish-black underside and a red crest on his head.

Crested wood partridge

Rollulus rouloul

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

The crested wood partridge, also known as the crested partridge, is a small, plump bird with a short tail and a red ring around each eye. It belongs to the same family as pheasants, turkeys and grouse. Males and females look quite different. The female partridge has a green body, a grey head and brown wings. The male has a green back, a blueish-black underside and a red crest on his head.

General Information

Where do they live? (Natural habitat)

Crested wood partridges are forest-dependent, meaning that they are only found in forested areas. They mainly live in lowland rainforests in Asia in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. They can also be found in bamboo forests.

How long do they live?

Crested wood partridges live around five years in zoos. Their lifespan in the wild is unknown.

What do they eat?

Crested wood partridges are omnivores, meaning that they eat plants and animals. They eat small invertebrates (animals without backbones), fruits and seeds.

Group name

Flock

Zoo location

South American House

Closest related species / sister species

The ferruginous partridge is the closest related species of the crested wood partridge.

Animal class

Aves

Animal order

Galliformes

Fun Facts

Leafy nests

The crested wood partridge is a ground-nesting bird. A breeding pair create a scrape on the ground and line it with leaves. When the nest is finished, they hide it with a heap of leaves to prevent predators from finding it.

Pig pals

In the wild, crested wood partridges are commonly found alongside wild pigs, feeding on discarded fruits that the pigs leave behind. Scientists believe that the pigs open fruits that the partridges cannot open themselves.

Leafy beds

Crested wood partridges forage and nest on the ground, but they roost in trees at night to avoid predators on the ground.

Parental care

The chicks of crested wood partridges stay in their nest for a week. During this time, both parents take care of them. The chicks of other partridge species leave the nest a few hours after hatching.

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Family Life

Crested wood partridges are not as social as other bird species. They generally live alone or in pairs. Sometimes, they will form flocks of up to 15 individuals to forage for food together.

Baby name

Chick

Gestation (pregnancy) period

Approximately 18 days (egg incubation period)

Number of young at birth

5-6 eggs in a clutch

Adult size

25-27 cm in length, 200-230 g in weight

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Conservation

Vulnerable

At the moment, the crested wood partridge is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Current population estimate

Unknown but decreasing

Threats

The main threats that crested wood partridges face are habitat loss due to deforestation (for agriculture, logging and oil palm plantations) and the wildlife trade.

What is Dublin Zoo doing?

Dublin Zoo raises awareness of the crested wood partridge and provides education on the threats this species faces in the wild.

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FAQs

  • Where do crested wood partridges live?

    Crested wood partridges mainly live in lowland rainforests in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei and Thailand in Asia.

  • What do crested wood partridges eat?

    Crested wood partridges eat invertebrates (animals without backbones), fruits and seeds.

  • Are crested wood partridges endangered?

    No, crested wood partridges are not currently endangered. They are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, their population in the wild is declining due to habitat loss and the wildlife trade.

  • Where can I find crested wood partridges in Dublin Zoo?

    In Dublin zoo, crested wood partridges can be found in our South American House.

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