Hungarian Partridge Feathers

Hungarian Partridge Feathers in-stock, no sales tax - ship free over $50.

A flocking ground-bird. Also known as Grey Partridge and European Partridge. Most commonly are called "Huns" in U.S. Huns inhabit the northern third of the agricultural lands in North America. They are especially fond of open, irrigated land. Hungarian Partridge are not native in the Western Hemisphere.  The North American strain appears to have been imported from Czechoslovakia.  Relatively small in size, the adult Hungarian Partridge averages 12-14 inches

in length. They have short, round wings and a short, dark, chestnut-brown tail. The body feathers are brown and gray, and the male's flanks are barred in chestnut and white and the gray breast has a distinctive horseshoe-shaped chestnut patch on the lower portion.
Hungarian Partridge Plumage is avidly sought after as wet fly tying material. The fibers are soft and water absorbent, which make them come alive when fully saturated while submerged. Even more appealing is the coloration which is is a combination of earthy tans, grays and browns. All feathers are cross barred, which easily imitates the barring on most aquatic insects.  There is a plumage difference between the sexes. The plumage of both males and females are used. The feathers from one sex is not commonly more valuable than the other. Most fly tiers are not aware of the difference. Females have a smaller chest patch or lack one altogether, and the body feathers are paler. Female shoulder feathers have darker brown cross bars.  Male shoulder feathers tend to be more rust color. Feathers from all parts of Hungarian Partridges are used for fly tying.  Breast, neck, saddle and rump feathers are commonly used for soft hackle flies, traditional wet flies and nymphs. Coloration, barring pattern and size of feathers vary widely in different areas of one bird skin.  Individual birds also vary in feather size, barring and color tone.  Tail and wing feathers are used as well as body feathers.  These stiffer feathers are commonly used for winging or tailing material on traditional wet flies, as well as tails, legs and shell backs on nymphs. 

We offer skins that have been beaches and also dyed.  These exotic skins give the tier even more options in creativity.  All skins are hand selected Number #1 Quality with very straight feathers.  Dyed pelts appear to be smaller than natural ones because of skin shrinkage caused by the dying process.  The feathers are unaffected in volume or individual size.  You are going to love our Hun Hides.  We guarantee it.