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Partridge Pigeons are medium-sized pigeons. There are two races, which have basically identical plumages, but different-coloured skin patches around the eyes. Race "smithii" has red eye patches, while race "blaauwi" has yellow eye patches. Most of the plumage is greyish to pinkish brown, except for a scalloped chest patch and a whitish to white-brown scalloped belly and vent. The tail is darker brown and the wings have dark brown tips and some iridescence on the flight feathers.

The overall distribution of this species can be assessed, and specific locations where birds have been spotted can be found, based on individual sighting reports submitted by birdwatchers to ebird.org .

The global distribution of the Partridge Pigeon is available HERE .

There are two races of Partridge Pigeons, both of which are endemic to the tropical North coast of Australia. Nominate race "smithii" (red around the eyes) occurs along the North coast of the Top End of the NT, from the East coast of Arnhemland, to West of Litchfield NP in the NT. Race "blaauwi" (yellow around the eyes) is found along parts of the North coast of the Kimberley, WA.

Partridge Pigeons have a preference for open areas near water and grassy woodland.

Race "smithii"

B. Hensen reports spotting a Partridge Pigeon, race "smithii", on the Marrakai track, NT, in July 2013.

H. Mouritsen spotted a Partridge Pigeon, race "smithii", in Kakadu NP, NT, in October 2015.

M. Eaton found Partridge Pigeons, race "smithii", at Nourlangie, Kakadu NP, NT, in July 2020.

P. Brown reports finding a flock of 15 Partridge Pigeons, race "smithii", at Umbrawarra Gorge NP, about 200 km South of Darwin, NT, in January 2020.