The grey francolin is a species of francolin found in the plains and drier parts of the Indian subcontinent and Iran. This species was formerly also called the grey partridge, not to be confused with the European grey partridge. They are mainly ground-living birds and are found in open cultivated lands as well as scrub forest and their local name of teetar is based on their calls, a loud and repeated Ka-tee-tar...tee-tar which is produced by one or more birds. The term teetar can also refer to other partridges and quails. During the breeding season calling males attract challengers, and decoys were used to trap these birds especially for fighting.
Region
Indian Subcontinent and Southwest Asia
Typical Environment
Naturally occurs across much of India and Pakistan into Nepal’s lowlands and southeastern Iran, favoring dry open country. It thrives in mosaics of scrub, fallow fields, rangeland, and thorn forest, often near villages and irrigation. Dense woodland is generally avoided, but it will use scattered trees and hedgerows for cover and roosting. It has been introduced and is now established in parts of the Arabian Peninsula (e.g., UAE, Oman) and on several Hawaiian Islands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known locally as the teetar, its loud, repetitive ka-tee-tar call often carries across farmlands at dawn and dusk. It is a wary, ground-dwelling francolin that prefers to run rather than fly, bursting into short, whirring flight only when pressed. Males have small tarsal spurs, and pairs are typically monogamous during the breeding season. The species has been widely introduced as a gamebird in some regions, including parts of the Arabian Peninsula and Hawaii.
Grey francolin in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Sonogram of grey francolin's Call.
A captive decoy
![The spurs of the male. From Le Messurier, 1904.[32]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/GreyPartridge.jpg/640px-GreyPartridge.jpg)
The spurs of the male. From Le Messurier, 1904.[32]
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush; prefers to run
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small coveys that feed and roost together. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and nest on the ground in a shallow scrape concealed by grass or shrubs. Roosting often occurs off the ground in low trees or bushes, and birds frequently dust-bathe.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, far-carrying series of sharp notes rendered as ka-tee-tar…tee-tar, often delivered by one or more birds in antiphony. Calls intensify at dawn and dusk and during the breeding season.
