Can be distinguished from other francolins by the broad
white eye-stripe contrasting with the dark head, combined with the white throat. Its habit of cocking its tail
(see image above) is also a useful distinguishing feature.
Female and juvenile are less boldly marked than the male
and lack the long, upcurved leg spur of the male.
Distribution and habitat
Found in woodland and wooded savanna in a distribution
extending from Ethiopia down to the northern regions of southern Africa.
In summer feeds mainly on insects while in winter it is
mainly herbivorous (underground corms and bulbs, above ground shoots, leaves,
fruits and berries).
Breeding
Form breeding pairs (monogamous) that can last for up
to 10 months.
Males compete and fight over females (see images below).
Meanwhile the male guards the general area around the
nest and uses a warning call to alert the female to any approaching danger.
Chicks leave the nest about 2 hours after hatching and
are looked after by their parents.
References
Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ and Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Roberts
- Birds of southern Africa, VIIth ed. The Trustees of the John Voelcker
Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.
Sinclair, I, Hockey, P. and Tarboton, W. 2002. Sasol
Birds of Southern Africa. 3rd edition. Struik, Cape Town.
