The Orange River francolin is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae found in grassland and woodland in Africa. In the taxa from the northern part of its distribution, the neck-line does not reach the eye and the belly is whitish. In the southern taxa the neck-line reaches the eye and the belly is buff. This has led some authorities to treat them as separate species: The Archer's or acacia francolin in the north, and the Orange River francolin in the south.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs chiefly in the Orange River basin and adjacent semi-arid savannas and grasslands of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, with related northern taxa in drier acacia country further north. Prefers open grassy flats, lightly bushed hillsides, and thornveld with scattered shrubs. Often uses riparian margins, fallow fields, and road verges where seed and insect availability is high. Roosts and nests on the ground in dense grass or low shrub cover.
Altitude Range
200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This ground-dwelling francolin inhabits open grassland and lightly wooded savanna in southern Africa, especially along the Orange River basin. Northern populations (often called Archer’s or acacia francolin) differ subtly in head pattern and underpart color from southern birds, leading some authorities to treat them as separate species. It is typically seen in small coveys, exploding into a short, whirring flight when flushed, then dropping back into cover. Its ringing dawn and dusk calls often reveal its presence before the bird is seen.
Temperament
shy and cryptic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, explosive takeoff
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small coveys, especially outside the breeding season. Nests are shallow ground scrapes lined with grass, hidden under tufted vegetation. Precocial chicks follow adults soon after hatching and feed themselves under parental guidance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A carrying, ringing series of rasping notes, often rendered as a repeated krrree-krrree given at dawn and dusk. Calls frequently in duet or antiphonally within a covey, especially during the breeding season.
