In the Hebrew, a partridge was known as a caller.1 These birds typically lived in the mountainous areas and they would unite for food. Having called out
to Abner in the night, David was acting like a partridge in the mountains.2 David used this comparison not only because of the language connection, but also to emphasize how foolish it is for a king to spend his time chasing a bird.3
20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the LORD, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.”