The Gray Partridge is a species from Europe and Asia, introduced to North America in the early 1900s. Populations in Canada are found primarily in the southern Prairie provinces, although there are also small populations in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces. Breeding Bird Survey results indicate that the current abundance in Canada, despite large fluctuations, is relatively similar to that of the early 1970s. The Gray Partridge is hunted throughout much of its North American range. National population goals have not been established for this and other introduced species.
The Gray Partridge, an introduced species in Canada, is associated with agricultural lands and is affected by agricultural practices. Removal of hedgerows and use of pesticides has been harmful to the species in some areas (Carroll 1993). Captive breeding has had limited success as captive-reared birds, once released, tend to be less vigilant and more susceptible to predators (Rantanen et al. 2010). Severe winter weather that produces deep, hard-crusted snow causes mortality and may be a contributing cause of the wide population fluctuations (Carroll 1993).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
