Partridges

Bird

Partridges are birds in the pheasant family, Phasianidae. They are a non-migratory Old World group. These are medium-sized birds, intermediate between the larger pheasants and the smaller quails. Partridges are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Partridges are ground-nesting seed-eaters. According to Greek legend, the first partridge appeared when Daedalus threw his nephew, Perdix, off a roof in a fit of jealous rage. Partridges famously appear as part of the first gift listed in the Christmas carol, "The 12 Days of Christmas". As such, "A partridge in a pear tree" is sung as the last line of each chorus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partridges