**Red-breasted partridge (Arborophila hyperythra)**

A secretive but beautiful partridge, endemic to the montane forests of northern Borneo.

Context

A breeding pair and three additional individuals photographed foraging on the forest floor at Trusmadi CP Song bird hide in Sabah (Malaysia), scratching through leaf litter and feeding on worms and insect larvae.

Field notes

Bird hides are now among the most reliable ways to observe partridges and pheasants for prolonged periods, providing excellent opportunities for photography and video recording. The Mount Trusmadi bird hide, maintained by CP Song, is currently one of the best places to photograph this species reliably.

Like most partridges of the genus Arborophila, the red-breasted partridge spends most of its life on the forest floor, moving through dense vegetation while scratching through leaf litter and turning over fallen leaves in search of food.

The species is often heard before being seen, producing characteristic whistles that echo through the montane forests of Kinabalu, Trusmadi, and nearby mountain ranges.

Key facts

This species is a montane forest specialist, occurring from submontane forests at approximately 600 m asl to high-elevation mountain forests at 3,050 m asl. It is found in both primary and secondary forests.

The species is easily recognized by its rich orange breast. Head coloration is highly variable, ranging from orange with a dark crown and eye stripe to almost entirely black. This variation occurs in both sexes and does not appear to be linked to sexual dimorphism.

The species is associated with bamboo thickets within forests. It feeds on a wide variety of small invertebrates, acorns, berries, seeds, and fruits. It usually forages in pairs or small groups.

Conservation

The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and remains locally common in suitable montane habitats.

It was previously considered Vulnerable, as it was known from only nine locations and was rarely observed until the mid-1990s.

The species currently appears relatively secure, as it occurs in many protected areas throughout its range. However, habitat degradation through logging and deforestation is likely causing local population declines.