The chestnut-naped spurfowl is a species of bird in the pheasant family Phasianidae. At 33–37 cm (13–15 in) in length and weighing 550–1,200 g (19–42 oz), it is a large species of spurfowl. It is found in Ethiopia and Somaliland. The population is believed to be stable but according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) there is insufficient data to make an estimate of the population.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the Ethiopian Highlands, extending locally into adjacent high ground of northern Somalia (Somaliland). It favors montane forest, forest edges, juniper-hagenia woodlands, and ericaceous scrub, and also uses bushy farmland and clearings near forest. Birds keep close to cover and often occupy steep, rocky slopes with scattered shrubs. They are typically encountered in pairs or small coveys along forest margins and trails.
Altitude Range
1200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A highland francolin of the Horn of Africa, it is most often heard at dawn when pairs give loud duets from wooded slopes. Males bear prominent tarsal spurs used in dominance disputes. Formerly, some populations were treated as subspecies (e.g., black-fronted forms), but taxonomy has since been revised. It is a sought-after but wary game bird that typically keeps to dense cover.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family coveys that keep to dense cover along forest edges. Ground-nesting; the nest is a simple scrape concealed under vegetation. Likely monogamous, with breeding timed to local rains. Family groups may remain together for some months after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, grating cackles and duets that carry far at dawn and dusk. Calls often begin with accelerating notes followed by a harsh chatter, used to advertise territory and maintain pair bonds.
Plumage
Heavily barred and vermiculated grey-brown body with a rich chestnut nape and hindneck. The throat is whitish bordered by dark markings, and the underparts show fine black-and-white barring. Sexes are similar, though males are slightly larger and bear leg spurs.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of seeds, grains, green shoots, berries, and various invertebrates such as beetles, termites, and ants. It scratches in leaf litter and soft soil to uncover bulbs and tubers. Opportunistic near smallholder fields, taking spilt grain and fallen fruit. Chicks rely more heavily on insects during early growth.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground along forest margins, clearings, and shrubby slopes. Also uses edges of cultivation near remnant woodland where cover is close by. Often feeds along paths and gullies in early morning.
