Erckel's spurfowl

Overview

Wikipedia

Erckel's spurfowl, also known as Erckel's francolin, is a species of game bird in the family Phasianidae.

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Distribution

Region

Horn of Africa and Hawaiian Islands

Typical Environment

Native populations occur in the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, inhabiting montane scrub, forest edges, rocky slopes, and agricultural mosaics. They favor areas with dense low cover for concealment and nearby open ground for feeding. In their introduced range in Hawaii, they occupy dry to mesic shrublands, pastures, and open woodlands. They typically remain on or near the ground, moving uphill or downhill along ridges and terraces as they forage.

Altitude Range

0–3300 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size38–45 cm

Wing Span50–60 cm

Male Weight0.9 kg

Female Weight0.7 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 3/5

Useful to know

Erckel's spurfowl, also called Erckel's francolin, is a large ground-dwelling gamebird of the Phasianidae. It is native to the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands but has been introduced to several Hawaiian Islands for game. Males have sharp tarsal spurs used in dominance contests. Their loud predawn and dusk choruses often reveal their presence long before they are seen.

Gallery

At Kauai, Hawaii

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and secretive, forming small coveys outside breeding season

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; explosive flush when disturbed

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; larger coveys form after breeding. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground hidden in grass or under shrubs. Clutches are moderate-sized, and the female primarily incubates while the male often stands guard nearby.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, cackling series that accelerates and rises, often rendered as harsh kek-kek-kek notes. Calls carry far at dawn and dusk and may include duets between members of a pair.

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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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