Red-winged Francolin
NameRed-winged Francolin
Common NameRed-winged Francolin
Scientific NameScleroptila levaillantii
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)35
Weight (g)475
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled brown, black, and buff, providing excellent camouflage. The underparts are paler, often with streaking or barring. The head features a distinctive tawny face with a dark eye stripe and a patterned crown. Rufous primary feathers are prominent in flight, giving the bird its common name. The bill has a dark upper mandible and a yellow lower mandible, and the legs are yellowish.
Vocalization / CallA loud, ringing 'kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa' call, often given from a prominent perch, especially at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in a discontinuous range across eastern and southern Africa, including parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, typically in highland grasslands.
Identifying FeaturesRufous primary feathers (visible in flight), Tawny face with dark markings, Yellow bill base and legs, Mottled brown and buff plumage, Ground-dwelling habit
Description
The Red-winged Francolin is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling gamebird with cryptic brown plumage, well-suited for blending into its grassland habitat. It is typically shy and often detected by its distinctive loud call.
