The Hainan Hill Partridge is a pheasant-family bird found only on Hainan Island, where it lives in remaining mountain evergreen forests.
It has a dark head, a white patch behind the ear, and an orange-red upper breast. Black scale-like markings pattern the gray back.
Hainan Partridges nest on the forest floor near tree bases, shrubs or lianas. Dead leaves and feathers line the bowl, while dry leaves and small branches form an arch over the plain white eggs and entrance.
A 2017 study investigated breeding in three Hainan reserves during February–May 2010–2012. Radio-tracking led researchers to five active nests, where video recorded birds grasping leaves and twigs and throwing them onto or around the nest.
This behaviour occurred before departures, after returns and during incubation, and also before chicks left with their parents. The authors proposed that it replenished covering material and concealed the entrance and traces of activity nearby.
IUCN Red List · Vulnerable · Global
The IUCN global assessment of 17 January 2024 lists the species as Vulnerable. Decline is inferred from habitat loss and hunting. Several protected areas support it; priorities include safeguarding their forests, assessing long-term protection, adding forests where necessary and establishing links between suitable habitat blocks.