Swainson's Spurfowl
NameSwainson's Spurfowl
Common NameSwainson's Spurfowl
Scientific NamePternistis swainsonii
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)35.5
Weight (g)500
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is dark brown, heavily mottled and barred with black and pale buff, giving a scaly appearance across the body. The head and neck are also dark brown, but the most striking feature is the extensive bare red skin around the eye, extending to the throat and forming a wattle. The bill is dark with a reddish base, and the legs are dark grey.
Vocalization / CallA loud, raucous, cackling call, often described as a series of harsh 'krr-krr-krr-krr' notes that accelerate and become more excited, typically given at dawn and dusk.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, savanna, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Identifying FeaturesBare red facial skin and throat wattle, Dark, mottled brown plumage, Stocky, ground-dwelling appearance, Dark grey legs, Loud, cackling call
Description
This medium-sized, ground-dwelling game bird is characterized by its stocky build and distinctive bare red skin around its eyes and throat. Its plumage is predominantly dark brown, heavily mottled, providing camouflage in its savanna and grassland habitats. It forages on the ground for seeds, bulbs, and insects.
