Pternistis natalensis

(Smith, 1833)

Vernacular names
English : Natal francolin
French : Francolin du Natal

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Galliformes
Family : Phasianidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults grow to 38 cm long for a weight of 723 g. Males are heavier than females. Wings and tail brown, head grey with black dots. Black heart or arrow-like markings on white belly. Breast with more black. Yellow and orange bill.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in southeast Africa, from central Zambia, through Zimbabwe and Swaziland to the eastern half of South Africa. Lives in dense thickets, dry forests and bushland with undergrowth, to 1800 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common to abundant in suitable habitat. It has locally declined because of conversion of habitat in South Africa.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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