Woodcock
The European woodcock (Scolopax major Rusticola)
weights about 300–350 grams with an overall length of 28-33
cm. The woodcock migrates from northern Europe to Greece starting
in September and leaves at the end of March. This migration
is dependent on many factors including the weather. The woodcock
hunting season starts September 15 to the end of February. The
harvest limit is 10 woodcocks per day. These birds can only
be perused with a dog. In September they usually reside in the
mountains up to 1000 meters where fir trees are abundant. When
the weather is bad they move to lower elevation to seek shelter
in dense dark thickets. Both American and European woodcocks
have similar food intake, behavior and body colors except the
European woodcocks chest colors are the same as its body.
Partridges
In Greece there are 3 partridges, Alectoris Graega (e non Chukar),
Alectoris Chukar and Perdix perdix (gray). Alectoris Graega
is a partridge that looks similar to a chukar. Alectroris Graega
(e non Chukar) is shown above and lives only in Greece. Graega
inhabits mountainous terrain up to 1000 -2300 meters. Graega
is the biggest partridge. It has many differences, sound, inhabit,
color, and head compared to the other partridges.
Hunting for Graega and Chukar occurs on Wednesday, Saturday and
Sunday, with a bag limit of 4 birds per day. The season is 15
September to 31 November. There is no season for the gray partridge,
however dog training is allowed on these birds.
Quail (Coturnix-Coturnix)
The Coturnix quail is the only quail found in Greece.
The average quail is 17-20 cm in length and weights 200-250 gram.
These upland birds migrate from North Africa in the spring to
nest. On a good year, they may have 2-3 clutch of eggs. In September
they fly south in flocks to North Africa. There food and habits
are similar to the American Bobwhite quail. The quail season starts
August 20, to the end of February. The daily bag limit is 12 birds
per day. They can only be hunted with the aid of a bird dog.
