Black Francolin Photo Gallery

Adult male (Eastern)

A small, plump, chickenlike bird with a short tail and heavy, slightly hooked bill. Male appears dark overall, with a conspicuous white cheek patch, rich chestnut nape, and yellow-and-black patterned upperparts.

Adult female (Eastern)

Female has heavy white spotting below, coarse black and white streaks above, barring on the vent and tail, and a touch of chestnut on the nape.

Adult male (Western)

A small game bird of grasslands and other open habitats. Male is mostly black, with a white cheek patch, dark chestnut nape, and white spotting on the flanks and mantle.

Adult male (Western)

Most often detected by male’s distinctive song, given from exposed perches in the morning and evening.

Adult female (Western)

A secretive species that typically remains on the ground even when disturbed.

Adult male (Eastern)

Male song in the eastern part of the native range, as well as Hawaii, consists of a sharp, metallic note followed by 4–5 raspy, scratchy notes.

Adult male (Western)

Inhabits grasslands, shrublands, and cultivated areas, often near rivers and irrigation canals.

Adult female (Western)

Occurs in shrublands, grasslands, and other open habitats.

Adult male and female (Western)

A secretive, highly terrestrial species, most frequently detected by male’s loud, distinctive song.