Pheasants, partridges, grouse, and quail are plump, terrestrial gamebirds, with broad and relatively short wings. They have powerful legs, many with spurs, and tend to have a preference for running over flying. Males often have brightly coloured plumage with facial ornaments such as wattles, combs, and crests. They have a wide distribution that includes most of Europe and Asia, Africa, and eastern Australia. They have a varied diet and will eat all kinds of plant matter as well as insects, and even small reptiles.
Nesting usually occurs on the ground which are either scrapes or small mounds of vegetation. Up to 20 eggs can be laid in one clutch with the female generally doing most of the incubating and caring for chicks.
Many species of pheasants, partridges, grous, and quail are raised and managed as game birds for hunting.
There are 155 species of pheasants, partridges and quail worldwide, 10 of which are found in the UK.
