The Crested Partridge Rollulus rouloul, also known as the Crested Wood Partridge or Roul-roul, is the only species in its genus and has no close relatives. It can be found in evergreen forests in South Burma and Southwestern Thailand, through Malaysia to Sumatra (and some smaller islands off its coast) and Borneo.
Slightly larger than the California quail, the male is unmistakable with its red fan-shaped crest and its black plumage that shines green, blue or purple depending on the light. The female is completely different, but equally unmistakable with a green plumage with maroon wings and a grey head.
Roul-rouls make a dome-shaped nest of dry grass, dead leaves etc. with a side entrance. It’s a funny sight to see them throw this material backwards over their shoulder to build the nest.
They are wonderful ground-dwelling birds that can easily be kept together with for example Peacock-pheasants or Hill-partridges and doves in a well-planted aviary. If the aviary is big enough, several pairs can be kept together. They can become very tame, to the extent that you have to be careful not to step on them.
Care has to be taken in winter as the Roul-roul cannot withstand frost. Especially their feet are vulnerable. Keeping Roul-rouls indoors in winter is therefore a must. They like the floor of the aviary to be moist, especially in the summer months, unlike many other partridge species.
Not much is known about the status of the Roul-roul in the wild. However, their numbers are believed to be declining in many places due to clearing of forests, for example in Malaysia.
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