Cape Francolin

Taxobox
name = Cape Francolin
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1


image_width = 200px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Galliformes
familia = Phasianidae
genus = "Francolinus"
species = "F.capensis"
binomial = "Francolinus capensis"
binomial_authority = (Gmelin, 1789)

The Cape Francolin, "Francolinus capensis" is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae. This francolin is endemic to the southwestern Cape of South Africa.It is 40–42cm in length, with the male averaging larger than the female. This large francolin appears all dark from a distance, apart from the red legs, but when seen closer the plumage is finely vermiculated in grey and white, with a plainer crown and nape.

The sexes are similar in plumage, but the male has two leg spurs whereas the female has at best one short spur The juvenile is similar to the adults, but has duller legs and clearer vermiculations. This large dark francolin is unlikely to be confused with any other species in its range.

The Cape Francolin is a bird of scrubby open areas, preferably close to running water. Its nest is a grass-lined scrape under a bush, and 6 to 8 eggs are laid (but sometimes two females will lay in one nest). This species can become very tame if disturbance is limited, and will feed in gardens, by roadsides, or with farmyard chickens. It will run rather than fly if disturbed.

The call is a loud "cackalac-cackalac-cackalac".

References

* Madge and McGowan, "Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse", ISBN 0-7136-3966-0
* Sinclair, Hockey and Tarboton, "SASOL Birds of Southern Africa", ISBN 1-86872-721-1