Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(squatting). Three varieties found in Palestine. Their flesh and eggs esteemed as food (1 Sam. 26:20; Jer. 17:11).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The word qone signifies “caller” and this suits the common Palestine partridge because of its loud ringing call. Two things are said of this bird. David, when pursued by Saul, compares himself to a partridge hunted on the mountains (1 Sam. 26:20). This agrees with the way in which the partridges are taken: they are chased on the mountains till they are tired out. The other passage (Jer. 17:11), says, “as the partridge sitteth on eggs and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” In the margin it reads, she “that gathereth young which she hath not brought forth.” This rendering is confirmed by the LXX and Vulgate and is supposed to refer to the partridge sitting upon eggs she has not laid, such eggs being left in her nest on the ground by other birds. When hatched the young birds desert her. This agrees with the context. The Caccabis saxatilis and Ammoperdix Heyii are known in Palestine.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
properly, active participle of 7121; a caller, i.e. partridge (from its cry)