Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Summary
Observations on the ecology of the gray partridge (Perdix perdix) recorded incidential to a study of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in south east-central Wisconsin from 1959 to 1966 revealed that pheasants were most strongly associated with wetland habitat and partridge, with areas largely devoid of such cover. This possibly represented selective use of upland habitat by partridge, or avoidance of areas of higher pheasant density. Egg-laying by partridge began in early May and reached a peak near the middle of the month. Preffered nesting sites consisted of roadsides, hayfields and fencelines, in which nest success averaged 40, 10 and 8 percent, respectively. The overall rate of hatching success was 16 percent. Successful clutches averaged 12.5 chicks per brood. The mean size of all broods consisting of young at least half grown was 8.3 chicks, indicating a minimum juvenile loss of 34 percent.