Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Crested wood partridge
Latin Name: Rollulus roulroul

Class: Birds
Order:    Galliformes

Description
The crested wood partridge is a dimorphic species, meaning males and females differ in appearance. Males have bluish-purple feathers as well as a large red crest on the head, which gives the species its name. Females have green feathers and lack a crest.

Range
Myanmar, Thailand, Malay Archipelago

Status
Near threatened due to habitat loss

Habitat
Woodlands, tropical rainforest and bamboo thickets

Niche
The crested wood partridge uses its feet to probe for insects, seeds and fruits on the forest floor.

Life History
The crested wood partridge can live in groups of up to 15 individuals. Breeding pairs dig tunnel-like nests beneath the litter of the forest floor. Offspring can number from four–eight chicks, which are cared for cooperatively by each parent. Larger broods may be divided, with each parent caring exclusively for half. Parents feed chicks for the first week, after which chicks forage for their own food.

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