Shelley's Francolin
NameShelley's Francolin
Common NameShelley's Francolin
Scientific NameScleroptila shelleyi
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)31.5
Weight (g)375
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly brown with intricate patterns. The head and neck show rufous-brown streaking, particularly on the crown and nape, with a white-streaked throat and upper breast. The back and wings are mottled and barred with dark brown, rufous, and buff, providing excellent camouflage. The flanks are heavily barred with black and white.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, loud, and far-carrying 'I'll drink you, I'll drink you' or 'I'll help you, I'll help you' repeated phrase, often given at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in scattered populations across East and Southern Africa, including parts of Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Identifying Featurescryptic brown and rufous plumage, white-streaked throat and upper breast, heavily barred flanks, distinctive loud call, dark bill
Description
Shelley's Francolin is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling gamebird with cryptic brown and rufous plumage, well-suited for blending into its grassy and rocky habitats. It is typically shy and often heard before it is seen, foraging for seeds and insects.
