Heuglin's Spurfowl
NameHeuglin's Spurfowl
Common NameHeuglin's Spurfowl
Scientific NamePternistis heuglini
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)32.5
Weight (g)400
Plumage DetailsThe upperparts are mottled brown with fine pale barring, providing excellent camouflage. The underparts are white with prominent black barring, particularly on the breast and flanks. The head is greyish-brown with fine white streaking, featuring a distinctive bare orange-red patch around the eye, a bright orange bill, and bright orange legs.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a loud, cackling call, often described as a series of harsh, rapid notes that may end in a cackle.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in East Africa, ranging from South Sudan and Ethiopia south through Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesBright orange bill, Bright orange legs, Bare orange-red patch around the eye, Bold black and white barring on underparts, Mottled brown upperparts
Description
This medium-sized ground-dwelling bird is characterized by its cryptic brown upperparts and boldly barred black and white underparts. It forages primarily on the ground in grassy and bushy habitats, often near water, feeding on a mixed diet of seeds and insects.
