What is the Barbary partridge and where can I see one in Gibraltar?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Barbary partridge is regarded as Gibraltar's national bird and is found nowhere else in mainland Europe. It lives in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, where patient visitors may spot it, and it is fully protected by law.
The Barbary partridge is a North African gamebird whose only population in mainland Europe is on the Rock of Gibraltar. It is considered Gibraltar's national bird and features on the logo of the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS).
The species is listed under Schedule 3 of the Nature Protection Act, which gives it the highest level of protection under Gibraltar law. Its numbers have increased following a joint captive breeding project between GONHS and the Government's environment department.
The best place to look is the scrub and paths of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The birds are shy and not easy to see, so walking quietly and early in the day improves your chances. In late spring and early summer, parents can be seen leading chicks along paths and across roads. If you are driving or riding a scooter through the Nature Reserve, slow down, as chicks have been killed by vehicles on roads such as Engineer Road.

What is the Barbary partridge and where can I see one in Gibraltar?

Short answer

Detailed answer

Protection

Where to look