Red-winged Francolin
Scleroptila levaillantii
Grassy hills. Legs dull yellow. Above dark brown, blotched black and streaked white; ear coverts and lateral neck rufous; throat white; upper breast mottled black and white; underparts pale rufous streaked red-brown.
LC
Endemic
Description
Uncommon endemic resident. Differs from [Orange River Francolin] in extensive ochre patch extending from the eye to the lower hindneck, and large patch of black-and-white speckling on the upper breast. The call is a high-pitched ‘cherp-cherp-cherp-cherp-chirreechoo-chirreechoo-chirreechoo…’. Favours grassland at all altitudes and grassy fynbos in the southern Cape. Usually in small coveys.
Quick Facts
Size
38-40 cm - M
Names
A: Rooivlerkpatrys
Z: ithendelelibomvu
Ss: Kgwale Ya Lepheofubedu
G: Rotflügelfrankolin
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
Favours 'grassland' at all altitudes and grassy 'fynbos' in the southern Cape.
