In this blog, we are going to answer three simple and direct questions about the red partridge tradition. This animal is so appreciated both for hunting and for Spain’s gastronomy.

What is the red partridge?

Also known as Alectoris rufa, the red partridge is a galliform species native to southwestern Europe. Its name comes from the intense red colour of its eyes, beak and legs, which characterizes this partridge. It is a very popular bird in the world of small game hunting and gastronomy.

Red partridge tradition:

The red partridge hunt.

The red partridge tradition begins with hunting. In the world of small game hunting, red partridge hunting in Spain is very well known internationally, because Spain is considered one of the best places for this sport, as it is able to satisfy the needs and expectations of any hunter worth his salt. The mountains and plains, valley and meadows where the red partridge lives, make Spain an idyllic place for the most experienced hunters.

The most well-known and traditional way is the ojeo, a form of small game hunting widely used in partridge hunting. For this type of hunting, a large area of land is required, such as those provided by the Castilian orography. On one side of the terrain, hunters are positioned, usually hidden behind a parapet that prevents them from being seen and accompanied by an assistant who is in charge of recharging the shotguns and collecting the birds that have been shot. At the other side of the field the scouts are positioned, accompanied by handkerchiefs and sticks to scare off the partridges. The job of the scouts is to guide the birds in the direction of the hunters. The scouts gradually move in the direction of the hunters, and the glancing ends as soon as the hunters and scouts meet up.

The red partridge gastronomy.

In the red partridge tradition, we also find the gastronomy. This bird is not only valued in the world of hunting, in the world of gastronomy it is considered a delicacy. Among the wide variety of breeds in the partridge family, the red partridge is the most popular in the cooking world. There are many dishes that can be made with this bird, but the best known and traditional is the pickled partridge, since in old days it was the way they had to preserve this delicacy as much as possible.

If you are interested in knowing and participating in the different activities provided by the red partridge tradition, El Crespo is the best place for it. Visit our website for more information.