Harwood's spurfowl, also known as Harwood's Francolin, is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is a grey-brown bird with red bill and tail, and red bare skin around the eyes. Both sexes have similar coloring, although the female is paler in color with a more extensive buff belly.
Region
Ethiopian Highlands
Typical Environment
This species is confined to steep river gorges and escarpments in central Ethiopia, especially along the Blue Nile (Abay) and Jemma systems. It uses rocky slopes, dense scrub, riverine thickets, and edges of dry evergreen montane woodland. Birds often occur near cultivated terraces and fallow fields bordering natural cover. They keep close to ground cover, moving between boulders and bushy patches to forage and roost.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Harwood's spurfowl (Harwood's francolin) is endemic to central Ethiopia, where it inhabits steep river gorges and adjacent scrubby slopes. It is a shy, ground-dwelling bird most often detected by its loud, duetted calls at dawn and dusk. Habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and hunting pressure have contributed to its decline, and it is listed as Vulnerable.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
explosive flush with short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small coveys, keeping close to dense cover on steep slopes. Ground-nesting, with a simple scrape hidden among grasses or shrubs. Likely monogamous; breeding timed to local rains, with small clutches and both parents guarding chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, cackling duet delivered at dawn and dusk, with the male and female calling alternately. Calls carry far across gorges and are the best clue to its presence in dense terrain.
Plumage
Overall grey-brown with fine barring and scalloping, paler buff underparts, and a rufous tail. The face shows red bare skin around the eye and a red bill. Females are slightly paler with a more extensive buff belly.
Diet
Forages on seeds, grains, and green shoots, supplemented by bulbs and tubers unearthed while scratching. Also consumes insects such as termites, beetles, and other small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. Often feeds along field edges and in scrubby gullies where cover is close by.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground in dense scrub, rocky slopes, and riverine thickets, frequently near terraced fields and fallows. Stays near cover and retreats quickly into bushes or boulder piles when disturbed.
