Any of certain species of Old World game bird in the family Phasianidae.
The European gray partridge ( Perdix perdix ), introduced into North America, has a reddish face and tail, gray breast, barred sides, and a dark U shape on the belly. Males may be 12 in. (30 cm) long. The hen lays about 15 eggs in a grassy cup in grainfields or hedges. Family groups (coveys) forage for seeds and insects. The five Asian and 35 African species of francolins (genus Francolinus ) have leg spurs and are 10–16 in. (25–40 cm) long. The snow partridge ( Lerwa lerwa ) inhabits high Asian mountains. Partridges are larger than quail and have a stronger bill and feet. Grouse and bobwhites are often erroneously called partridge.