Crested wood partridge
Scientific name: Rollulus rouloul
IUCN listed as: Vulnerable
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
Child-friendly
Everyday
Diet
Crested Partridges primarily feed on a diet consisting of seeds, berries, fruits, and insects found on the forest floor. They are known to forage in small groups, scratching through leaf litter to uncover food items.
Crested Partridges eat seeds, berries, fruits like figs, and small insects they find on the forest floor. They use their strong beaks to peck at seeds and berries, and they scratch the ground to find insects to eat. This helps them stay healthy and strong in their forest homes.
Breeding
During the breeding season, which typically occurs from March to July, the male performs elaborate courtship displays to attract females. They build nests on the ground, concealed under dense vegetation, where the female lays and incubates a clutch of eggs.
During March to July, male Crested Partridges show off to females by bobbing their heads and fluttering their wings. If a female likes the display, she lays about 4-6 eggs in a nest on the ground, hidden in thick plants or leaves.
Habitat
These birds inhabit dense tropical forests and woodlands of Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They prefer areas with ample ground cover and are often found near water sources such as streams or ponds.
Crested Partridges live in dense forests in Southeast Asia, like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They like places with lots of plants and water nearby, where they can find food and hide from animals that might want to eat them.
At the zoo
Crested Partridges are occasionally found in zoos and aviaries, where they are housed in environments that mimic their natural forest habitats. They are appreciated for their distinctive appearance and behaviours, providing visitors with an opportunity to observe a rare and beautiful bird species up close.
Some zoos keep Crested Partridges in habitats that look like their natural forest homes. People like to visit these birds at the zoo to see how they behave and learn about where they live in the wild.
Behaviour
Crested Partridges are secretive and elusive birds, known for their shy nature and ability to swiftly vanish into dense vegetation when startled. They communicate through soft calls and are more active during dawn and dusk, spending much of their time foraging on the forest floor.
These birds are shy and usually stay alone. They spend their time on the forest floor or in bushes, not high up in trees. Crested Partridges are most active early in the morning and in the evening, when they look for fallen fruits, seeds, and insects to eat. If they feel scared, they run fast and hide in thick plants.
Fun facts
- Crested Partridges get their name from the black crest on their heads, which they can raise or lower.
- They make a loud whistling sound that carries through the forest, used for talking to mates or warning about danger.
- These birds are good at living on the ground, with strong legs that help them move through thick plants and escape from enemies.
- Unlike many birds, Crested Partridges prefer to rest on the ground or in low plants instead of in trees.
- Their diet changes with the seasons, eating more fruits and insects during the breeding time to give their babies enough protein.
- Crested Partridges have a cool black crest on their heads that they can lift up or down depending on how they feel or to talk to other partridges.
- They make a loud whistle noise that echoes through the forest. They use it to talk to each other or tell their friends about danger nearby.
- Even though they can fly, Crested Partridges like to stay on the ground where they are good at running and hiding from animals that want to eat them.
- These birds are important because they eat fruits and seeds in the forest and spread them around when they go to the toilet, helping new plants grow.
- When it’s time to have babies, male Crested Partridges show off by making noises and moving around to get the attention of females.
More animals to discover at our zoo
Quick Links
Tickets & Prices
You can buy tickets for Exmoor Zoo securely online, as well as finding out more price options, discover offers, and more…
What’s on…
Exmoor Zoo hosts incredible Events all through the year. You can find out about what we’ve got in store here…
Routes & info
Like any great discovery, Exmoor Zoo can feel a little off the beaten path – but don’t worry – you can plan your journey with our recommended routes and other useful travel info.
