Cape Spurfowl
Pternistis capensis
Fynbos. Large, dark francolin; dark brown above with feathers edged pale buff; black below; feathers streaked white; legs reddish.
Francolins, Quails, Spurfowl
LC
Endemic
Description
Common to abundant Cape endemic. A large, dark francolin, only the underparts prominently streaked white. Shows a blackish tail in flight. The call is a loud, high-pitched cackling ‘kwek, kwek, kwek, kwekek-kwekek-kwekek-kwekek-kwekek-kek-kek-kek…’, the sound rising and then decreasing in volume and fading at the end. Occurs singly or in small coveys in fynbos, wooded kloofs and riverside scrub.
Quick Facts
Size
40-45 cm - M
Names
A: Kaapse Fisant
Ss: Kgwale Ya Kapa
G: Kapsperling
Bird Family
Terrestrial birds of mostly gregarious habits (quails excepted). Their crowing or cackling calls are useful identification features. Immatures resemble adults but are usually duller. Quails are nomadic and irruptive, whereas francolins are more sedentary.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Occurs singly or in small coveys in 'fynbos', wooded kloofs and riverside scrub.
