Black francolin

The black francolin is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes. It was formerly known as the black partridge. It is the state bird of Haryana state, India. Fried black francolin is eaten in Azerbaijani cuisine.

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Distribution

Region

Eastern Mediterranean to South Asia

Typical Environment

Native from Cyprus and Turkey through the Levant, the Caucasus, and Iran into Pakistan, India, and Nepal, with scattered introductions elsewhere. It favors dense grass, scrub, and edges of cultivation, especially near water. Typical habitats include grain fields, sugarcane, fallow plots, orchards, and riverine thickets. It keeps to ground cover, venturing into open spaces to feed and quickly retreating to dense vegetation when disturbed.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size33–36 cm

Wing Span45–50 cm

Male Weight0.5 kg

Female Weight0.4 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also known as the black partridge, the black francolin is a popular gamebird of fields and riverine scrub from the eastern Mediterranean to South Asia. Males are striking with a chestnut neck ring and white cheek patch, and they deliver loud, ringing calls at dawn and dusk. It is the state bird of Haryana, India, and has been introduced to a few regions outside its native range. In Azerbaijani cuisine, it has been traditionally prepared as a fried delicacy.

Gallery

Black francolin female

Eggs of Francolinus francolinus

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small family groups, especially outside the breeding season. The male is strongly territorial in spring, calling from low perches or mounds. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden in dense vegetation, with clutches commonly of 6–9 eggs and both adults tending the brood.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

The male gives a loud, ringing, staccato kik-kik-kee or kik-ki-kik call, most frequent at dawn and dusk. Calls carry over fields and are used to advertise territory and attract mates.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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