Ecological studies of alectoris graecamagna

Ecology of Alectoris graeca magna has not thoroughly been reported upon. The paper is based on material collected during February-December, 1069. in Qinghai province and April-December, 1980, in Qinghai, Gansu province and Ningxia Hui-zu Autonomous Region.Habits: The rock partridges prefer the sunny slopes of yellow soil mounds with sparse stunted vegetation, the rocky slopes of mountain and yellow soil ravines sparsely dotted with srunted grasses. They are found generally around water (snring, rivers, etc.). They always gather in flocks in autumn and winter. In warm middays in spring and in hot middays in summer and autumn they roost the shade, whereas in winter middays they roost on sunny spots.Diet: Food varies. The partridges feed chiefly on seeds, bulbs,rhizomes, fruits,leaves, seedlings and shoots of plants and also to a lesser extent on insects.Breeding: Nesting occurs from the end of March to mid-April in the Qinghai Plateau; from early March to mid-March in the Liupanshan mountain ranges. They nest at heights of 1,600-2,100m.in the Qinghai plateau.The nember of eggs varies from 9 to 20 per clutch. The eggs are dusky creamy in color with paler brown and brown specks. The size of eggs averages 41.9(40-43.6)X32.9(32.4-33.5)mm.Incubation time:2-24days.Call:(1) General call "ga, ga,ga,ga,ga,ge-la, ga,ge-la ge-la, ge-la,ge-la,ge-la,gela"(2)when alarmed "ja-,ja-,ja-..."with "a" rpolonged; (3) Adults heading youg sound "ge,ge,ge,..."; (4)Druing breeding time the males give a warning call somewhat like a whistle;l(5) When fly "fei-ji,fei-jie, fei-ji...:Molt:Molting occurs after the breeding season from September to the end of October.natural enemies:Are primarily raptors and mustellides.