Black Francolin
NameBlack Francolin
Common NameBlack Francolin
Scientific NameFrancolinus francolinus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)34.5
Weight (g)425
Plumage DetailsMale: Distinctive black face with prominent white cheek patches, a broad chestnut collar, and black underparts heavily spotted with white. The upperparts are brown with intricate buff and black barring. Female: Generally duller brown, streaked and barred with buff and black, lacking the male's distinct facial and neck markings.
Vocalization / CallA loud, ringing, and often repeated call, typically described as 'kik-kik-kik-kik-kik' or 'chick-chick-chick-chirr-chirr-chirr'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, from Cyprus and Turkey east through Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India to Nepal.
Identifying FeaturesMale: Black face with white cheek patches, Male: Chestnut collar, Male: Black belly with white spots, Barred brown upperparts, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
This medium-sized game bird is characterized by the male's striking black plumage with white cheek patches and a chestnut collar. It is a ground-dwelling species, often found foraging in dense cover of grasslands and agricultural fields.
