Latham's francolin or the forest francolin, is a species of bird in the francolin group of the family Phasianidae. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Peliperdix. It is widespread across the African tropical rainforest.
Region
Congo Basin and Upper Guinea Forests
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, including extensive tracts of the Upper Guinea and Congo Basin forests. Favors dense understory and heavy leaf-litter floors where it can forage and remain concealed. Uses primary forest as well as secondary growth, forest edges, old logging roads, and swamp forest. It also persists in forest–savanna mosaics and selectively logged areas provided cover remains intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Latham's francolin, also called the forest francolin, is a secretive ground-dwelling gamebird of African rainforests and the sole member of the genus Peliperdix. It typically forages quietly in leaf litter but advertises its presence with clear, whistled duets at dawn and dusk. The species is adaptable to both primary and secondary forest and is frequently heard more often than seen. It is hunted locally but remains widespread across the tropical forest belt.
An exhibit at the Royal Museum for Central Africa.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family parties on the forest floor. Nests are simple ground scrapes lined with leaves and hidden in dense cover. Breeding timing varies locally with rainfall, and pairs often maintain small territories within suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, ringing whistles that often form duets between mates, most frequent at dawn and dusk. Calls travel far through dense forest and may begin with a single note followed by accelerating or repeated phrases.
Plumage
Dark brown to blackish-brown overall with fine barring and vermiculation; underparts and flanks heavily barred with buff and black. The plumage is cryptic and suited to the forest floor, with slightly warmer tones on the wings and flanks. Sexes are similar, with subtle differences in tone rather than pattern.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of seeds, fallen fruits, and a wide range of invertebrates such as insects, termites, and small snails. Scratches through leaf litter to uncover food and picks fallen berries from the ground. Opportunistically takes small plant shoots and soft vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shaded trails, forest edges, and within dense understory where leaf litter accumulates. Also uses lightly disturbed or secondary forest and can venture into nearby clearings after rain.
