The Natal spurfowl or Natal francolin is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is found in Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern and northern South Africa through Eswatini and Mozambique into Zimbabwe, Zambia, and adjacent parts of Botswana. Favors dense thornbush, wooded savanna, riparian thickets, and rocky hillsides with cover. Common along edges of farmland, tracks, and clearings where seed and invertebrates are abundant. Typically avoids deep forest and very open grassland, selecting mosaics of scrub and woodland. Often uses cover near watercourses.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Natal francolin, this ground-dwelling gamebird is common in thickets and savannas of southeastern Africa. It is often first detected by its loud, cackling dawn and dusk calls. When flushed it explodes into rapid flight but typically prefers to run for cover. Pairs or small coveys frequent edges of cultivation and bushy riverine areas.
Temperament
wary and secretive, often runs to cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush, followed by brief glide
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family coveys outside the breeding season. Ground nester that places a shallow scrape under dense cover. Breeding is mostly tied to the rainy season, with strong pair bonds and territorial calling at dawn and dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, cackling series that accelerates and rises in pitch, often rendered as harsh kak-kak-kak notes. Calls carry far at first light and near dusk, with duets between mates common.
