Partridges

small and medium-sized birds of the order Galliformes. They differ in appearance and habit. The most common species in the USSR are the willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lago-pus), the ptarmigan (L mutus), the Hungarian partridge (Perdix perdix), the chukar partridge (Alectoris kakelik), and Bonham’s partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis). The willow ptarmigan and the ptarmigan are found in the tundra and high-mountain regions; the Hungarian partridge dwells in the steppes. Several other birds are called partridges, including tropical forest and arboreal birds of the genera Dendrotryx, Arborophila, Bam-busicola, and Rollulus, as well as the snow partridge (Lerma lerwa). All partridges are game birds and are commercially valuable.