Ptilopachus petrosus
Stone Partridge
A small, dark, francolin-like gamebird of rocky scrubland and lightly wooded savanna, found from Senegambia (The Gambia is part of the type locality) east to Ethiopia and Kenya. Usually seen in pairs or small groups scurrying on the ground near rock outcrops, with its thick tail habitually cocked up like a bantam's.
Identification
Small, uniformly dark brown gamebird with red legs, red bare skin around the eye, and fine pale speckling on breast and head; the tail is often held cocked upward. Pairs give a distinctive rising, emphatic duet of loud whistled notes.
Want to see the Stone Partridge?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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