Welcome to the world of birds of Auvergne! This region in central France is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique culture. It is home to a wide variety of birds, including some of Europe’s rarest species.
From the majestic Golden Eagle to the diminutive Firecrest, Auvergne has it all. In this introduction, we will take a closer look at some of the region’s most intriguing avian inhabitants and discuss the various ways in which they can be appreciated. So, let’s get started!
1. Great Crested Grebe
The great crested grebe is a species of water bird native to many parts of the world, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the Grebe family of birds, which are known for their diving and swimming abilities.
The great crested grebe is particularly noted for its elaborate mating display. This behavior is typically seen during the spring and summer months when the grebes are preparing to mate.
The male will typically start the display by swimming in circles and then diving beneath the surface of the water. He then surfaces with a large bundle of plant material in his beak. This bundle is then presented to the female, as an offering of sorts.
The female then responds with a similar display, which can involve a variety of courtship behaviors such as head-bobbing and preening. After the display is complete, the couple will typically mate and produce offspring.
The great crested grebe is a unique and fascinating species, and its elaborate courtship display is just one of the many reasons why it is so beloved by birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. cristatus |
2. Mallard
The mallard, also known as the wild duck, is a species of duck that is found in many parts of the world. It is a dabbling duck, which means that it feeds by upending and dabbling in shallow water.
The mallard breeds throughout much of the temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
It has also been introduced to a number of other areas, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. The mallard is a very adaptable species, which explains why it is found in so many different habitats.
It can live in a variety of environments, including lakes, ponds, marshes, and wetlands. It is also a very social species, often gathering in large flocks.
The mallard has a wide range of food sources, including a variety of aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. The mallard is an important species to humans, providing a source of food, as well as providing aesthetic value in many parts of the world.
It is also an important species in terms of conservation; as its range is so wide, it is a useful indicator species for monitoring the health of wetland environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
3. Gadwall
The gadwall is a species of duck found in many parts of the world. It is a member of the Anatidae family, which includes all species of waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans.
The gadwall is a dabbling duck, meaning that it feeds by tipping its head underwater to pick up food. This duck species is considered to be abundant and widespread, as it can be seen in many different habitats such as wetlands, marshes, and lakes.
The gadwall is a medium-sized duck, measuring between 17-20 inches long. It has a gray body, with white and gray wings and a white belly. Males have a black head with a green sheen and a white patch on their wings.
Females are brown in color, with a white line running down the side of their heads. The gadwall is a social species, and can often be seen in large flocks. They feed on aquatic plants, insects, and aquatic invertebrates.
During the breeding season, they will pair off in monogamous pairs and build their nest on the ground near the water’s edge.
They are also known to use abandoned nests of other waterfowl species. Overall, the gadwall is an important species of waterfowl that plays a vital role in many different ecosystems. It is widely spread and abundant, making it a common sight in wetlands, marshes, and lakes.
This species is also a social species, often seen in large flocks, which adds to the beauty of its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
4. Little Bustard
The little bustard is a species of bird that belongs to the family of bustards. It is the only species in the genus Tetrax.
The genus name derives from Ancient Greek and is a reference to a game bird that was mentioned in the works of the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes, as well as other authors.
The little bustard is a ground-dwelling bird that inhabits grasslands and steppes in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It can be recognized by its brown and white plumage, its long legs, and its small head with a short beak. Its diet consists mainly of insects, seeds, and grains.
The little bustard is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting. As a result, conservation efforts are underway in many parts of its range to protect the species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Tetrax |
| Species | T. tetrax |
5. Black Grouse
The black grouse is a large bird belonging to the grouse family and is found in the Palearctic region. It is known by many different names, including northern black grouse, Eurasian black grouse, blackgame and blackcock.
This species of grouse tends to live in moorland and steppe habitats during breeding season and is usually found close to wooded areas. It is a sedentary species, meaning that it typically stays in one place for an extended period of time.
The black grouse is a plump bird, with males reaching up to 4.7 pounds and females up to 3.8 pounds. Males are distinguished by their black plumage, white tail feathers, and red combs on their heads.
Females are generally grey-brown with lighter and darker mottled feathers and have a white stripe above their eyes. The black grouse is an omnivorous bird, and its diet consists of a variety of plants and small invertebrates.
During the breeding season, males use their loud, booming calls to attract females and establish their territories. In the winter, they form large flocks and move to areas with more available food sources.
The black grouse is a species of conservation concern, as its population has been declining in recent years due to habitat destruction, hunting, and disease. Conservation efforts are being made to protect and restore the species’ habitats and increase their numbers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Lyrurus |
| Species | L. tetrix |
6. Common Quail
The common quail, also known as the European quail, is a small bird in the pheasant family that lives on the ground. It is a migratory species, meaning it breeds in the western Palearctic region and winters in Africa and southern India.
This species is known for its distinct call which consists of three repeated chirps, making it easier to identify by sound than by sight. The common quail is a small bird, typically ranging in size from 10-14 inches.
It has a mottled brown plumage, with a black streak on its breast. Its wings are short and rounded, and its tail is short and squared off. Its beak is short and thick, and its legs are short and thick.
This species of quail is omnivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, insects, and other small invertebrates. It is mainly active in the early morning and late afternoon, foraging for food and shelter during the day.
It is mainly found in open grasslands and meadows, but can also be found in cultivated areas, such as fields and gardens. The common quail is a social bird, living in small flocks and breeding in the spring.
The female lays between 8-12 eggs in a shallow scrape in the ground, which are incubated for about three weeks.
The chicks are precocial, meaning they are able to feed and move around shortly after hatching. Overall, the common quail is a small, migratory game bird that is easily identified by its distinctive call.
It is found in open grasslands, meadows, and cultivated areas, living in small flocks and breeding in the spring. Its diet consists of seeds, grains, insects, and other small invertebrates.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Coturnix |
| Species | C. coturnix |
7. Mute Swan
The mute swan is a species of swan that belongs to the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to an extensive area in Eurosiberia, stretching from the northern borders of France and Spain to the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea and even to the far north of Africa.
The mute swan is one of the largest species in the Anatidae family, with an average length of 150-160 cm and a wingspan of up to 230 cm. Mute swans are mainly white with an orange bill and a black knob at the base of the bill.
They are generally peaceful and will typically only become aggressive when defending their nests or young. They are also very vocal, with a variety of crooning and honking sounds.
During courtship, the male and female swans will join their necks together in an act known as “swan dancing”.Mute swans feed on aquatic vegetation, small fish, and invertebrates. They are usually found close to the shoreline, but they can also be found in shallow waters.
They prefer to nest in wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Overall, the mute swan is an iconic species and an important part of many ecosystems. It is a protected species in some countries, and its population is being closely monitored in order to ensure its conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
8. Eurasian Golden Plover
The European golden plover is a species of wading bird found in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a large species of plover, measuring around 25 to 30 cm in length with a wingspan of up to 65 cm.
As its name suggests, the European golden plover is a golden-brown color with black markings on the head, wings, and back. It has a white underside and a white patch on the back of its neck. It has a short black bill and legs.
The European golden plover is also known by a variety of other names, including the Eurasian golden plover, or simply the golden plover within Europe.The European golden plover is a migratory bird, travelling long distances between its breeding grounds in Europe and its wintering grounds in Africa and Asia.
It breeds in grassy areas, including moorlands and bogs, and feeds on insects, worms, and small invertebrates. It is also known to feed on small seeds and grains.
The European golden plover is an important species in Europe and is listed as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. apricaria |
9. Horned Grebe
The horned grebe, also known as the Slavonian grebe, is a water bird that belongs to the Podicipedidae family. It is a relatively small bird, and there are two distinct subspecies. The first is called P. a. auritus and is found in the Palearctic region.
This subspecies breeds during the summer months in this region. The second subspecies is called P. a. cornutus and is found in North America.
This subspecies breeds during the summer months in North America. Both subspecies share many common characteristics, such as having a black head and neck, a white collar, and bright yellow eyes. They have a pointed black bill and short, strong legs.
Their wings are short and rounded, and they have a long, pointed tail. The back and wings of both subspecies are dark grey, while the underside is white.
They have a distinctive black crest on their head, which gives them their name. The horned grebe is often seen swimming and diving for food in ponds, lakes, and rivers. They feed on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans.
During the breeding season, they often build their nests near the water. Both subspecies are relatively common in their respective regions, though their populations are declining due to habitat loss and other human-related activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. auritus |
10. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is a small water bird from the grebe family of birds. It is characterized by its fast swimming ability and its ability to sink below the water surface.
The scientific name of the bird, Podiceps ruficollis, is derived from two Latin words. The genus name ‘Podiceps’ is derived from the Ancient Greek words ‘takhus’, meaning ‘fast’, and ‘bapto’, meaning ‘to sink under’.
The specific name ‘ruficollis’ is from two Latin words, ‘rufus’, meaning ‘red’, and ‘collis’, meaning ‘necked’. The Latin word ‘collum’ is derived from the word ‘neck’.
This scientific name accurately describes the physical characteristics of the little grebe, which has a red neck and is known for its ability to dive quickly under the water.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
11. Hooded Merganser
The hooded merganser is a species of duck that is found in the subfamily Anatinae. This species is the only extant one in the genus Lophodytes, which means that it is the only one currently living in its genus.
The genus name comes from the Greek language, with “lophos” meaning “crest” and “dutes” meaning “diver”. This is an apt name for this species of duck that is known for its crested head and its ability to dive underwater in search of food.
Not only does this species of duck have a distinctively shaped head, but it also has a unique diet, as it feeds primarily on fish. This makes it a valuable part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep fish populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Lophodytes |
| Species | L. cucullatus |
12. Western Capercaillie
The western capercaillie, also known as the Eurasian capercaillie, wood grouse, heather cock, cock-of-the-woods, or simply capercaillie, is an impressive bird. It is a member of the grouse family and is the largest of all extant grouse species.
It is a heavy bird, with the heaviest-known specimen, recorded in captivity, having a weight of 7.2 kilograms.
This impressive size makes the western capercaillie a very impressive sight. The western capercaillie is a habitat specialist, living in forests with dense growths of spruce, pine, and larch trees.
It prefers large areas of mature forest, especially in mountainous regions, and is found in Scandinavia, Finland, Russia, and the Alps.
It feeds mainly on buds, fruits, and invertebrates, and its diet is supplemented by carrion and plant matter. The western capercaillie has a beautiful, complex, and loud song that is used to attract mates and to announce its presence.
It is also an impressive sight in flight, with its long wings and distinctive tail pattern.
The species is a popular game bird in some countries, and it is also hunted for its feathers and meat. The western capercaillie is an impressive bird, and its large size and beautiful song make it a sight to behold.
It is an important member of the grouse family, and its presence in forests helps to ensure the health of those ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Tetrao |
| Species | T. urogallus |
13. Common Cuckoo
The common cuckoo is a species of bird from the Cuculiformes order, which includes birds such as roadrunners, anis and coucals. This species of bird is one of the most widespread summer migrants to Europe and Asia and during the winter season, they migrate to Africa.
The common cuckoo is known for its distinctive call, which is often heard during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere.
The cuckoo has a long history of being a symbol of spring and renewal, as its call is one of the first signs of the onset of the season in many countries. Its migratory pattern is fascinating to observe, as the cuckoo will travel thousands of kilometers in its annual journey.
The common cuckoo is an important part of the avian ecosystem, as it helps to maintain the balance of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. canorus |
14. Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a type of wading bird that belongs to the family of avocets and stilts. It is a widespread species, found in many parts of the world. It is characterized by its long legs, which are used to wade through shallow water in search of food.
The scientific name for the species is H. himantopus, indicating that it is a single species with a nearly global distribution.
The black-winged stilt is an important part of many ecosystems, as it is a keystone species, helping to keep the balance between other species in the area.
It feeds on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and plant material, which it finds in the shallows of wetlands and other water bodies. It is also an important indicator of the health of its ecosystem, as it is affected by changes in water quality and other environmental factors.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
15. Tawny Owl
The tawny owl, also known as the brown owl, is a medium-sized owl found in woodlands across Europe to western Siberia. It is a stocky owl, characterized by its pale underparts with dark streaks, and its upper body that may be either brown or grey.
There are seven recognized subspecies of tawny owls, each with their own distinct characteristics. The tawny owl is typically found in areas with a large amount of trees and shrubs, such as woodlands, as well as areas with open grasslands.
It is mainly nocturnal and feeds mainly on small mammals, such as mice and voles, as well as sometimes birds and insects. It has a strong, distinctive hooting call that is often heard at night. The tawny owl is a powerful hunter with excellent eyesight and hearing.
It has long, broad wings which help it to move silently through the air when hunting. The tawny owl is a shy bird and usually avoids human contact, although it may become more visible as the winter months approach and food sources become scarce.
The tawny owl is a beautiful bird that plays an important role in the ecosystems of Europe and western Siberia. It is an important predator of small mammals, helping to maintain a healthy balance in the environment, and its hooting call is a familiar sound in many woodlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. aluco |
16. Common Shelduck
The common shelduck is a waterfowl species belonging to the genus Tadorna. It is very widespread and abundant in the Euro-Siberian region of the Palearctic, which encompasses the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
This species mainly breeds in temperate climates during the summer months and migrates to subtropical areas during the winter. Its wintering grounds are typically located in the Maghreb, a region that includes Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
The common shelduck is a medium-sized species of waterfowl, measuring between 42 and 45 cm in length. It has a distinctive plumage, with a white head, chestnut body, and black wings. The bill is generally orange-red in color, and the legs and feet are black.
Both sexes look similar, but the female is slightly paler than the male. The common shelduck feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation, but it also eats molluscs, crustaceans, aquatic insect larvae, and worms.
These birds migrate in large groups and are quite noisy during flight, making loud honking sounds. They usually nest in the hollows of trees or in rocky crevices, and the female will lay up to 12 eggs at a time.
The common shelduck is an important species in the Palearctic region, as it serves both as an important food source for predators and as a valuable indicator of wetland health.
It is also a popular game bird in some parts of the world, and its feathers are sometimes used for fly fishing. In many countries, the common shelduck is legally protected from hunting and other forms of exploitation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. tadorna |
17. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is an interesting species of dove that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a bird species that has been around for centuries, and has become a common species throughout much of its native range.
This species was then introduced to other parts of the world, such as Japan, North America, and islands in the Caribbean.
This introduction is believed to have been intentional, as part of a bird-control program or for the purpose of providing food for humans. The Eurasian collared dove is a medium-sized dove with a gray-brown body, a white collar around its neck, and a long tail.
It has a distinctive call, with a loud “coo-coo-coo” sound that can be heard from quite a distance. This species is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, and insects.
It will also scavenge for food, which can include human-provided feed. In its introduced habitats, the Eurasian collared dove has become a common species. It has adapted to a variety of environments and habitats, from wild and rural areas to urban and suburban settings.
As a result, this species has become a nuisance in some areas, as its presence can interfere with the nesting and breeding of other bird species. Still, the Eurasian collared dove is a species with a wide distribution and is a common species in most of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
18. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon is a species of duck belonging to the dabbling duck genus Mareca. It is also referred to as the European wigeon, the widgeon, or simply the wigeon.
This species is widely distributed across the Palearctic region, and is considered to be common in this area. The Eurasian wigeon is a medium-sized duck, typically measuring between 45-50 cm in length.
Its plumage is mainly grey-brown, with a white patch on the forehead and a chestnut-brown patch on the sides of the head. The male has a white stripe on the back of its head, while the female has a white stripe on the front.
The bill of the Eurasian wigeon is greenish-yellow in colour, and the legs are grey. The Eurasian wigeon is an omnivorous species, feeding mostly on plant material, such as aquatic plants, grasses, and seeds.
It also feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and molluscs. The Eurasian wigeon is a social species that can be found in large flocks in suitable habitats. Breeding takes place in the spring, and the female lays a clutch of 5-11 eggs.
The chicks are able to fly after 55-70 days. Overall, the Eurasian wigeon is a widespread and common species of duck, which can be easily observed in its Palearctic range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
19. Red-Breasted Merganser
The red-breasted merganser is a species of duck that can be found in many places across the Northern Hemisphere. This species is known for its distinctive red breast, which is only shown by males in their breeding plumage.
During this time of year, the males of this species have a vibrant red chest, which is what gives them their common name. The males of this species are also known for their long, hooked bill, which is used to help them forage for food in the water.
In addition, they have a unique crest on the back of their heads, which can also be used to help them find food. The red-breasted merganser is a fascinating species that is well known for its striking red breast and other unique features.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | M. serrator |
20. White-Headed Duck
The white-headed duck is a small diving duck, measuring approximately 45 cm in length. The male has a white head with a black crown, a blue bill, and reddish-grey plumage. In comparison, the female has a dark bill and duller coloring.
During breeding season, this species prefers lakes with both open water and dense vegetation near the edges. This provides the ducks with the necessary habitat for foraging, nesting, and raising their young.
The vegetation also provides much-needed cover for the ducks when they take to the water to avoid predators. Additionally, the dense vegetation is also beneficial for the ducks as they like to nest in the vegetation, typically close to the water’s edge.
The white-headed duck is an important species to the environment and is often found in wetlands, where they play an integral role in local ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. leucocephala |
21. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal is a duck species that is widespread across temperate Eurosiberia. It is commonly referred to simply as the teal, since it is the only species of small dabbling duck found across much of its range.
The Eurasian teal breeds in temperate Eurosiberia during the summer months and then migrates south to warmer regions in the winter. This species of duck is also known as the common teal or Eurasian green-winged teal due to its distinctive green wings.
The Eurasian teal is a highly adaptive species, which has allowed it to thrive in a variety of habitats. It prefers shallow ponds, marshes, and wetlands, but can also be found in agricultural areas and even urban areas.
It feeds on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and molluscs. The Eurasian teal is also an important prey species for predators such as foxes, wolves, and birds of prey. The Eurasian teal is a highly social species and can often be seen in large flocks.
It is also an important game bird, and is hunted in many parts of its range. Hunting of this species is regulated and monitored to ensure that population numbers remain healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
22. Common Moorhen
The common moorhen, also known as the waterhen or swamp chicken, is a species of bird belonging to the rail family.
This species is found throughout the Old World, inhabiting a variety of wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, canals, and other wetlands that are well-vegetated.
These birds are rarely found in dry or open areas, instead preferring the dense vegetation that provides protection from potential predators. Common moorhens are omnivorous, meaning they feed on both plant and animal matter.
They will eat a variety of seeds, fruits, insects, small fish, and other aquatic creatures. They are also known to scavenge, searching for food such as dead fish and other carrion. Common moorhens are not migratory birds, instead, they are found in the same place year-round.
They are social birds, living in small groups or colonies of up to twenty individuals. The birds form strong pair bonds, which can last for many years. Common moorhens are quite vocal, making loud, croaking calls to communicate with each other.
They are also known to make a wide range of other sounds such as whistles, grunts, and quacks. The common moorhen is an important part of many wetland ecosystems and is classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
It is important to conserve and protect the habitats of this species in order to ensure its long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Gallinula |
| Species | G. chloropus |
23. Garganey
The garganey is a small species of dabbling duck found in many parts of Europe and across the Palearctic.
This species of duck is known for its strictly migratory behavior, meaning that the entire population of the species moves south during the winter of the Northern Hemisphere.
During this time, garganeys can be found in large flocks in regions such as southern Africa, India, Bangladesh and Australasia. It is during this time that the ducks breed and feed in these areas before the return to their original breeding areas.
The garganey is an important species of duck, as its migratory behavior helps to maintain healthy populations of the species, while also helping to control various pest species.
In addition, the garganey is an important species of duck in terms of waterfowl hunting, as it is a popular species for many waterfowl hunters.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
24. Gray Partridge
The grey partridge is a type of gamebird that belongs to the Phasianidae family in the order Galliformes, which includes other gallinaceous birds such as pheasants and quail.
It is also known by other names such as the gray-legged partridge, English partridge, Hungarian partridge, or hun. Its scientific name is ‘Perdix’ which is derived from Ancient Greek and translates to ‘partridge’ in Latin.
This species of partridge is native to much of Europe, regions of North Africa, and western Asia. It is a medium-sized bird, typically around 30 cm in length and weighing between 300 to 500 grams. It has a grey-brown plumage with white and black markings on its wings and tail.
The male and female look similar, however, the males have a brighter plumage and are larger in size.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Perdix |
| Species | P. perdix |
Conclusion
Auvergne is a beautiful region in France, home to many species of birds. The diversity of birds found in this region is quite large, ranging from large raptors such as the Golden Eagle and Red Kite to smaller passerines such as the Redstart and Great Tit.
The varied habitats, such as the forests, wetlands and grasslands also provide a great environment for these birds to thrive. Therefore, Auvergne is an important area for bird watching.