Double-spurred Spurfowl
NameDouble-spurred Spurfowl
Common NameDouble-spurred Spurfowl
Scientific NamePternistis bicalcaratus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)33.5
Weight (g)575
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly brown and buff, with intricate barring and spotting across the body, creating a scaly appearance. The head and neck are finely speckled, featuring a distinct white supercilium above the eye. The bill is yellowish, and the legs are also yellowish, typically with two spurs on each leg in males.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a loud, cackling, and often repeated 'krak-krak-krak' or 'kok-kok-kok' call, particularly vocal at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to West Africa, ranging from Senegal and Gambia east through countries like Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, and extending into Chad and the Central African Republic.
Identifying Featurescryptic brown and buff plumage with intricate barring, prominent white supercilium, yellow bill and legs, loud, cackling vocalizations, males typically possess two spurs on each leg
Description
The Double-spurred Spurfowl is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling game bird native to West Africa. It is characterized by its cryptic brown and buff plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its dense scrubland and forest edge habitats. This species is often heard before it is seen, with its distinctive loud, cackling calls.
