Crested Wood Partridge (Rollulus roulroul)

Also known as the Roul-roul Partridge, Crested Partridge, Green Wood Partridge, or Red-crowned Wood Partridge, this tropical Galliforme is found in the lowland forests of the Malayan Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra. The male has a red crest and bluish-green plumage, whereas the female is a subtle green with brown wings and only a hint of a crest.We used to work with this species in the early days of Animal Wonders, they were tame and did very well on programs. We hope to have the opportunity to bring them to our students again in the future.

Scientific classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Aves, Order Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Rollulus, Species: Rollulus roulroul

Other Names: Roul-roul Partridge, Crested Partridge, Green Wood Partridge, Red-crowned Wood Partridge

Range: Malayan Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra

Subspecies: None

Habitat: Tropical lowland forests

Status in Wild: Most recently assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2021, the Crested Wood Partridge is now listed as Vulnerable. The wild population is declining rapidly due to forest destruction and conversion to oil palm plantations. Trapping and hunting is also an ongoing problem causing a decrease in the species.

Aviculture: Roul-roul can become very tame in captivity, very charming and have great personalities. They are delicate and not recommended for beginners. They are prone to develop many poultry diseases and it highly recommended that the ground of the new aviary be disinfected prior to placing this species. They also do not seem to do well on wire, often developing foot and leg problems. It is recommended that they are kept in pairs and in aviaries with sand bottoms that are well planted. Roul-roul are not winter hardy and need heated quarters during cold weather.

If kept in an indoor, tropical environment, this partridge may lay at anytime during the year. The males seem to do most of the nest building, using pine needles, branches or straw to create a tunnel-like nest. Clutch sizes average 4 to 6 eggs and incubation lasts 18-19 days. If hatched artificially (via incubator), the chicks of this species may have problems learning to eat so you may need to provide mealworms and place a few small size chicks such as button quail in the brooder to help "teach" the little partridge to eat.

The diet of Roul-roul in our care consists of a Purina® Game Bird Maintenance (12.5% protein) this is mixed with various finch and parrot seeds and given in a pan with full access. The partridge are also offered a pan of fruits - (chopped apple, pear, grapes, blueberries, plum, banana, and orange), vegetables (soft corn, peas, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, sweet potato) and chopped greens (romaine, leaf, endive, kale - never iceberg). Please alternate the variety every few days. I only chop and offer what the partridge will eat in a few hours. Once a week chopped hard-boiled eggs is also added to the pan. Two or three times a week mealworms are given and they will also get an occassional cricket or waxworms when we have extra. This diet has worked very well for us with not only the partridge, but with all galliformes such as pheasants, quail, and francolin.

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External Links



• Crested Partridge - BirdLife International Factsheet
• Crested Partridge - Birdorable
• Crested Partridge - eBird
• Crested Partridge - iNaturalist
• Crested Wood Partridge - Saint Louis Zoo

The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer, but when the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again. - William Beebe, 1906

Animal Wonders

We depend on our programs & donations to help fund the care and housing for our animals, most of which are either rescues or surrenders. We seem to be always taking in new animals that need a home or different situation, their care adds up. If you would like to help support Animal Wonders, it would be greatly appreciated. We are always in need of donations, caging material, lumber, crates, aquariums, straw, & newspapers.