Red-necked Spurfowl
NameRed-necked Spurfowl
Common NameRed-necked Spurfowl
Scientific NamePternistis afer
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)32
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsThe body plumage is predominantly greyish-brown, finely barred or streaked with darker markings, especially on the flanks and breast. The head and neck feature extensive bare, bright red skin, contrasting with a blackish crown and eye-stripe. The bill is red, and the legs are also red.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, harsh, cackling calls, often described as a series of rapid, grating notes that can be quite startling.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa eastward to Ethiopia and southward to Angola and South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesBare bright red skin on face and neck, Red bill and legs, Greyish-brown body plumage with fine barring, Stocky, ground-dwelling build, Loud, cackling call
Description
A medium-sized, stocky gamebird characterized by its greyish-brown plumage and striking bare red skin on its face and neck. It is a ground-dwelling species, typically found foraging in dense cover.
