The following information refers to the species's habitat use in Europe. The species is found on dry and stony foothills that are lightly vegetated or bare, occasionally on plateaux up to approximately 2,000 m. It is found in warmer, lower areas than Alectoris chukar where they are sympatric (McGowan and Kirwan 2014). It prefers flatter terrain often close to water (Madge and McGowan 2002). It is not found in narrow ravines, around crags or amongst thick tree cover (McGowan and Kirwan 2014). Typically six to nine eggs are laid from mid-April in south-east Türkiye (Madge and McGowan 2002). It nests on exposed ground sheltered by grass or rocks. The nest is occasionally in a small hollow and sometimes lined with grass. Birds feed on shoots, leaves, seeds and berries and also take insects. The species is usually sedentary (McGowan and Kirwan 2014).

Conservation Actions Underway
Least Concern (Fuller et al. 2000). Mace-Lande: Insufficient information. Hunting is banned in Türkiye and recent surveys there revealed the species to be rather more numerous than previously thought. Only recently (2003) discovered in southern Armenia (McGowan and Kirwan 2014).

Conservation Actions Proposed
In Europe the protection of important sites, including legislation to protect them from development should be developed. Research should be undertaken into the species's ecology and habitat needs, and assessments of potential threats made in order to develop appropriate responses.