Shelley’s Francolin
Scleroptila shelleyi
Grassy woodland. Legs dull yellow. Above dark grey-brown, blotched black and streaked white; throat white; below white, breast blotched red-brown, belly barred black.
Francolins, Quails, Spurfowl
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Uncommon to locally common resident. Differs from [Grey-winged Francolin] in clear white throat with black surround, clear white stripe through the eye and ear coverts, bold, black blotches on its lower flanks, and a large patch of deep red blotches on the upper breast, extending to the upper flanks. The call is a shrill, musical crowing sounding like ‘I’ll drink yer beer’ repeated three or four times. Found in grassy woodland and grassland (montane grassland in eastern Zimbabwe), especially near rocky koppies.
Quick Facts
Size
33 cm - M
Names
A: Laeveldpatrys
Z: isikhwehlesimqhalomhlophe
Ss: Kgwale Ya Botjhabela
G: Shelleyfrankolin
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
