Mount Cameroon spurfowl

Overview

Wikipedia

The Mount Cameroon spurfowl is a bird species in the pheasant family Phasianidae. It is found only in Cameroon.

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Distribution

Region

Gulf of Guinea Highlands

Typical Environment

Occurs only on Mount Cameroon, inhabiting moist montane forest, forest edge, bamboo thickets, and dense secondary growth. It favors areas with deep leaf litter and tangled understory where it can forage and remain concealed. Birds may venture into shrubby clearings and old farm edges adjacent to forest. Activity is mostly terrestrial, retreating to cover at the slightest disturbance.

Altitude Range

800–2500 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size33–38 cm

Wing Span45–55 cm

Male Weight0.65 kg

Female Weight0.55 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This elusive spurfowl is restricted to the slopes of Mount Cameroon, where it keeps to dense montane undergrowth. It is more often heard than seen, giving loud crowing calls at dawn and dusk. Habitat loss and snaring pressure threaten its small, localized population. Its presence is a good indicator of relatively intact high-elevation forest.

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and elusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small family parties, keeping close contact in dense cover. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden in vegetation. Likely monogamous, with both adults vigilant near the brood. Roosting often occurs on the ground or low in dense shrubs.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, ringing series of crowing, cackling notes, often delivered from concealed perches at dawn and dusk. Calls carry far across slopes and are the best way to detect the species. Soft clucks and contact calls are used within pairs or family groups.

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Identification

Leg Colorred

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Heavily patterned, with dark brown upperparts and buff to chestnut scalloping and barring that gives a scaled appearance. Underparts are similarly mottled, aiding camouflage in leaf litter. The face is dusky with limited bare red facial skin and a short, sturdy bill.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds on a mix of seeds, shoots, berries, and invertebrates such as beetles, termites, and ants. It scratches through leaf litter to uncover fallen fruits and hidden prey. Opportunistically takes small snails and other ground-dwelling arthropods. Diet varies seasonally with fruiting and insect abundance.

Preferred Environment

Forages on the forest floor in dense undergrowth, along forest edges, and in bamboo patches. Will use overgrown trails and abandoned farms near intact forest, retreating quickly to cover when disturbed.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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