The Chinese francolin or Burmese francolin is a species of game bird in the family Phasianidae.
Region
South China and Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern China through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, with some populations on Hainan and Taiwan. Prefers open woodlands, scrub, grasslands, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and agricultural mosaics. Often found near cultivation, hedgerows, and lightly wooded hillsides. Uses dense ground cover for concealment and nesting while foraging in more open patches nearby.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The Chinese francolin, also called the Burmese francolin, is a ground-dwelling gamebird of the pheasant family. Its loud, ringing dawn and dusk calls carry far and are often used to detect the species during surveys. It is well-camouflaged in dry grass and scrub, flushing with a sudden whirr of wings when approached. It is locally hunted but remains widespread and common across much of its range.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
explosive takeoff with short rapid wingbeats, brief low flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season and in small coveys at other times. Nests on the ground in a shallow scrape lined with vegetation. Likely monogamous, with the female incubating and both adults guarding chicks. Breeding often coincides with the onset of rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing, repetitive series of notes, often rendered as a sharp kik-kik-kik that accelerates and rises slightly. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, the call carries long distances and is used in territorial advertisement.
