Black Francolin Similar Species Comparison

Main SpeciesBlack Francolin

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.

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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.

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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.

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Adult male and female (Western)

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

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