Ammoperdix heyi
Identity and identification
Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi belongs to Phasianidae. Small and rounded, it has sandy plumage and white-and-chestnut flank bars. Males show a grey head with black-and-white markings; females are plainer. Size and head-and-neck pattern separate it from Barbary Partridge and Chukar. It is placed in the order Galliformes. The IUCN category carried in AviList 2026 is Least Concern (LC).
Habitat, food and behaviour
Dry rocky slopes, wadis and sparsely scrubbed hills provide habitat. It runs between rocks and collects seeds, plant material and insects on the ground. Birds may gather near water. Camouflage often makes calls or movement easier to detect than a stationary individual.
Breeding and parental care
A ground hollow is sheltered by rock or vegetation. The female incubates; downy chicks can walk and collect food while accompanying adults. Mobility is not fully developed flight. Local breeding information remains uneven among countries, so figures from one population should not be imposed throughout the range.
Range and Arab occurrence
Its dry-country range includes Egypt and Sinai, Jordan and parts of Arabia. UAE national assessment records describe breeding in suitable habitat. Lebanon has an old accidental record, rather than evidence of a widespread local partridge.
Seasonality and observation
Resident in parts of its range, it makes local movements with water and food. Quiet rocky wadis can support November observation, especially in moderate temperatures. Give family groups room to walk away without repeated forced flights.
Ecological role and conservation
Populations need intact slopes, shelter and safe resources. Vehicle pursuit, excessive hunting and excavation are pressures. Staying on tracks and avoiding refuges protects a bird adapted to running and concealment in exposed arid terrain.
References
UAE National Red List — Ammoperdix heyi.
Ramadan-Jaradi et al. — Updated checklist of the birds of Lebanon, Sandgrouse 42 (2020), 186–238.
Royal Commission for AlUla — Birds of AlUla, Sand Partridge.
AviList Core Team — AviList: The Global Avian Checklist, v2026 (20 October 2026).
Photo: Raffaele Maiorano — CC0 1.0.