Abstract: Sichuan Partridge (Arborophila rufipectus) is an endangered species endemic to the mountains of Southwest China. So far, little information is known about its winter habitat. We studied the winter habitat characteristics of Sichuan Partridges at the Laojunshan National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China in January, 2013 and from January to February, 2014. The habitat characteristics of totaling 48 plots used by the partridges and 30 control ones were measured. It was found that Sichuan Partridges preferred the habitats with lower altitude, gentle slope, small coverage of trees, short bamboos, low and lessdense herbs, large coverage of 1.0 m layer, small coverage of 4.0-5.0 m layers, and close to trails and forest edge. In addition, Sichuan Partridges also preferred the sites close to water resources and with abundant leaf litter. Security and food condition might be the key factors influencing winter habitat selection by the Sichuan Partridge.

Key words: Huang-Huai-Hai region., agricultural drought index, actual evapotranspiration