Latham's francolin

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size30–35 cm

Wing Span40–50 cm

Male Weight0.45 kg

Female Weight0.4 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

An exhibit at the Royal Museum for Central Africa.

Behaviour

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.

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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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