Partridges are medium sized non-migratory
gamebirds, with a wide native distribution throughout the
Old World, including Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They are sometimes grouped in the
Perdicinae subfamily of the
Phasianidae (pheasants, quail, etc.). However, molecular research suggests that partridges are not a distinct
taxon within the family Phasianidae, but that some species are closer to the
pheasants, while others are closer to the
junglefowls.