Game birds are those birds that are hunted for sports or meat in the wild. For hunting, hunters get permits from the government or related departments. Fees and rules for acquiring permits vary from country to country. Mostly permits for hunting duration is 1 year for open areas and 1 day for reserve areas. Examples of game birds are Partridges, quail, doves, etc. There are many types of game birds but we discuss 8 top game birds that are hunted in the world.
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Partridges: The Quintessential Game Birds
Partridges are the game birds that belong to the Pheasant family. These are medium-sized birds. Grey partridge, black partridge, and chukar are in this category. They are upland birds. They eat different seeds, leaves worms, and insects. They are a fast runner but have the ability to fly. They are found in various regions across the world(Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East). Their hunting season depends upon the location and local regulations but in most countries, their season starts from September to February except in South Africa where the season starts in May and ends in August. Partridges breeding season occurs in spring and summer. The incubation period is 23 to 26 days depending upon the species.
Quails: A Beloved Game Birds of the Wild
Quails are game birds that belong to the Phasianidae family. These are small-sized birds. In modern times Quails are divided into two categories Old world quail and New world quail. Common quail, Japanese quail, and Blue quail are examples of Old World Quail. California Quail, Northern Bobwhite, and Gambel’s Quail come under New World Quail. They are omnivores and eat some plants, seeds, grains, insects, and worms. They prefer to run over flying if they feel some danger. They are found in various parts of the world (Europe, Asia, Africa). Their hunting season generally starts in the winter months. Quail breeding season starts in the spring and summer months. Their incubation periods depend upon the species and generally, they take 17 to 24 days for incubation.
Turtle Dove: An Essential Game Birds Specie
Turtle doves are also game birds that belong to the family Columbidae. These are small to medium-sized birds. European Turtle Dove, Oriental Turtle Dove, and Laughing Dove are examples of turtle doves. They are also omnivorous and feed on grains, berries, fruits, seeds, and insects. They love to live in woodland, farmland, and open fields with scattered trees. They are found in Asia, Africa, and Europe, and some species migrate to different areas like Russia dove migrate to Pakistan during summer and return in autumn. Hunting season in some countries starts in August to September and in some countries September to October. Their breeding season depends upon the environment and food availability. If the environment is warm through the year then they breed throughout the year but if climate changes then they lay 2 eggs per clutch during the warmer month. The incubation period is 13 to 15 days during which males incubate the eggs during the day and females incubate them over the night.
Wood pigeons: A Game Birds of Distinction
Wood pigeon also belongs to the family Columbidae. These are medium in size. Examples of wood pigeons are European Wood Pigeon, American Wood Pigeon, and Oriental Wood Pigeon. Their diet can vary depending on the availability of food items but mostly they feed on seeds, grains, fruits, leaves, and nuts. Wood pigeons are found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Hunting season varies by region and country. 1 September to 31 January in the UK, Europe, and North Africa is their hunting season. They breed during the warmer months and sometimes breed more than once. They only lay two eggs per clutch which they both incubate for 17 to 19 days.
Mallard Ducks: A Premier Game Birds Choice
Mallard duck belongs to the family Anatidae. These are medium-sized birds. American Mallard, Eurasian Mallard, and Mottled Mallard are examples of Mallard ducks. They feed on aquatic plants, seeds, grains, insects, small fishes, amphibians, and miscellaneous food. Mallards are found in North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In the US, Canada, and Europe hunting season for mallards starts in early September to late December while in Australia hunting season starts in March and ends in August. Their breeding season occurs in the spring and early summer. They lay 8 to 13 eggs per clutch and incubate them for 26 to 30 days. Females only incubate the eggs.
Geese: A Classic Game Birds Experience
Geese belong to the family Anatidae. The size of geese varies from species to species but generally in large size. Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, and Snow Goose are examples of geese. They feed on grasses, grains, aquatic plants, seeds, berries, roots, and tubers. Geese are found in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Arctic and Subarctic Region. Their hunting season usually starts in early September and runs through February depending on the species and region. The breeding season of geese also depends upon the species and the region but generally occurs in the spring and early summer. They lay 3 to 8 eggs per clutch with an incubation period of 25 to 30 days.
Pheasants: A Game Birds Worth Pursuing
Pheasant belongs to the family Phasianidae. The size of males is larger and brighter than females. Common Pheasant, Golden Pheasant, Ring-necked Pheasant, and Reeves’s pheasant are examples of pheasant. They feed on seeds, grains, insects, fruits, berries, green vegetation, nuts, and small vertebrates. Pheasants are found in Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and New Zealand. In most places, the hunting season starts in October and ends in December or January but in New Zealand, May to August is the hunting season them. They breed in the spring seasons and females lay 8 to 15 eggs per clutch and incubate them for 23 to 28 days.
Turkeys: A Game Birds Icon
Turkey bird belongs to the family Phasianidae. They are large in size. Wild Turkey, Ocellated Turkey, and Domesticated Turkey are examples of Turkey. They feed on seeds, grain, fruit, berries, green vegetation, nuts, small reptiles and amphibians. They are found in North America, Central America, and other parts of the World. They are hunted in two seasons (Spring season and fall season) depending upon the region of the species. In the Spring season they hunt from April to May and In the Fall season they hunt from September to December. Breeding season typically occurs in the spring generally from March to April.
FAQs:
Q. 1 What is the difference between game birds and other birds?
Ans. Game birds are also birds that hunt for meat or sports.
Q. 2 Are cockatoos also game birds?
Ans. No, cockatoos are not considered game birds.
