White-throated Francolin
NameWhite-throated Francolin
Common NameWhite-throated Francolin
Scientific NamePeliperdix albogularis
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)24.5
Weight (g)250
Plumage DetailsThe White-throated Francolin has a distinctive pale buffy-white throat, a streaked crown and nape, and rich rufous-brown upperparts heavily barred and scaled with white and black. Its underparts are paler, buffy-white, with fine dark barring on the flanks. The bill is dark, and legs are yellowish.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, often repeated, cackling or churring call, typically described as a 'kwa-kwa-kwa' or 'kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a wide band of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, east through countries like Sudan and Uganda, and south into parts of Angola and Zambia.
Identifying FeaturesPale buffy-white throat, Streaked crown and nape, Rufous-brown upperparts with white scaling/barring, Pale, finely barred underparts, Small, ground-dwelling francolin shape
Description
This small, ground-dwelling francolin is characterized by its cryptic brown and white patterned plumage, providing excellent camouflage in its grassy habitats. It is typically shy, preferring to forage on the ground and run for cover when disturbed rather than fly.
