The partridge pigeon is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling pigeon endemic to parts of Australia. It is also called the bare-eyed bronzewing, the bare-eyed partridge bronzewing and the bare-eyed partridge pigeon, and in some local languages, rakul.
Origins of the Partridge Pigeon
The Partridge pigeon is endemic to and restricted to Australia (other than captive specimens in zoos).
Its origin is purely natural with no intervention by human breeding and it developed along similar lines of other birds in the Columbidae family in Australia.
Closest Relatives of the Partridge Pigeon
The partridge pigeon belongs to the genus Geophaps and is one of the Australian bronzewing pigeons. It shares its genus with the squatter pigeon and the spinifex pigeon, and the crested pigeon is another close relative:
- Squatter Pigeon
Endemic to northeastern Australia and identifiable by distinctive black and white facial markings and a white stripe along each flank.
A small, compact species of pigeon found across much of the arid and semiarid regions of northern and central Australia.
A species that can be found widely throughout all of mainland Australia, with the exception of the far north where the climate is too tropical for these birds to truly thrive.
Distribution And Habitat of the Partridge Pigeon
The partridge pigeon is generally only found in parts of what is known as the Top End of Australia.
The most concentrated populations are in Kakadu National Park (opens in new tab).
The natural habitat of the partridge pigeon is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, or alternatively both subtropical and tropical dry lowland and grassland.
As a species, they do not tend to be prolific or effective fliers. They tend to spend most of their time on the ground and are sometimes seen on tracks and roadsides.
Status of the Partridge Pigeon
In official conservation terms, the partridge pigeon is currently listed as being of least concern on the IUCN Red List (opens in new tab).
The population, estimated at about 82,000 to 145,000 mature birds in the 2022 IUCN assessment, is decreasing. Its range has contracted severely since the early 20th century.
The main threats are thought to be changed fire regimes, predation by feral cats, overgrazing by cattle and other introduced animals, invasive grasses and some land clearing.
The population on the Tiwi Islands is large and thought to be fairly stable, while mainland numbers have fallen.
Another threat to its range and distribution is the change in fire regimes in Australia – the method by which the actuality and threat of bushfires is managed.
Frequent late dry-season fires damage the preferred habitat and can increase predation by feral cats, which are known to hunt in burnt areas.
Cane toads, which are spreading across the region, kill many monitor lizards and snakes that eat them. Some of these reptiles prey on partridge pigeons, but the overall effect on the pigeon is not clear.
In Australia, both subspecies (eastern and western) are listed as vulnerable under national law, and populations in some protected areas are monitored.
Appearance of the Partridge Pigeon
| Wingspan | Length | Weight | Coloring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partridge Pigeon | 48 – 52 cm | 25 – 28 cm | 150 – 250 g | Brown with white breast stripe |
| Average Feral Pigeon | 64 – 72 cm | 32 – 37 cm | 300 – 500 g | Bluish grey with some black |
The partridge pigeon has a plain brown plumage that is highlighted by a white stripe that runs along the edge of its breast.
The species has some distinctive facial markings that, interestingly, will vary depending on where in Australia it is based.
Partridge pigeons of the eastern subspecies, found mainly in the Northern Territory, have red facial skin, whilst those of the western subspecies in the Kimberley region of Western Australia have yellow facial skin.
The Character Of The Partridge Pigeon
When it comes to fight versus flight, the partridge pigeon seems to be stuck in the middle!
Their desire to forage in clear patches on the ground makes them an easy target for predators such as feral cats, and because they rarely fly, when they do find themselves in a dangerous situation they tend to freeze up before frantically trying to get away.
When it does choose to make brief appearances in the air, it takes flight with a very loud and busy clatter of its wings!
As a species, they are mostly sedentary but will make short seasonal-driven migrations for food and water.
They are typically seen as singles or in small groups but in the late dry season, larger flocks may form around water sources.
The birds communicate using quiet murmuring contact calls, a low-pitched ooooa-oo.
Diet of the Partridge Pigeon
The partridge pigeon is a herbivorous species of bird, and their diet consists of various seeds, mostly of grasses but also Acacia and other woody plants that grow across the Top End of Australia.
Partridge Pigeon Mating And Breeding
Partridge pigeons can breed year-round, but mostly through the dry season which runs between March and October.
Peak breeding time is May and June.
They build their flimsy nests on the ground in areas of very dense grass, which helps hide them from predators.
A clutch is usually two eggs.
Taking Care of the Partridge Pigeon
As with other wild birds, the most useful thing people can do is support protection of the savanna habitat it depends on, including good fire management and control of feral cats.
Last updated 31 October 2026 · Types