The painted francolin or painted partridge is a species of francolin found in grassy areas in central and southern India and in the lowlands of southeastern Sri Lanka. They are easily detected by their loud calls especially during the breeding season. Thomas C. Jerdon noted that the species was found mainly in Central India south of the Narmada and to the east of the Western Ghats as well as the Chota Nagpur and Northern Circars. It can be confused only with the black francolin with which it partly overlaps and is said to sometimes hybridize. This species can be told apart from a black francolin female by the lack of a rufous hind collar and the white spots on the underside. The face is rufous and there is no dark stripe running behind the eye.
Region
Peninsular India and Sri Lanka
Typical Environment
Occurs across central and southern India, especially south of the Narmada, east of the Western Ghats, and through the Chota Nagpur plateau to the Northern Circars, with an outlying population in the lowlands of southeastern Sri Lanka. Prefers tall or rank grasslands, scrubby fallows, and edges of dry deciduous forest, often near cultivation. Frequently uses stony uplands, lateritic plains, and lightly grazed pastures that retain cover after the rains. The species benefits from mosaic landscapes with grass, shrubs, and scattered fields, but avoids dense forest and very open, intensively farmed fields.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The painted francolin is a ground-dwelling gamebird of peninsular India and lowland Sri Lanka, most easily detected by its loud, carrying calls at dawn, dusk, and after monsoon showers. It can be confused with the black francolin but lacks the latter’s rufous hind collar and dark post-ocular stripe. The species often calls from exposed rocks or low mounds while remaining otherwise secretive in grass and scrub. Occasional local hybridization with black francolin has been reported where ranges overlap.
A painted francolin calling from a perch in Pune, India.
Sonogram of call of painted francolin
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, explosive flush
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small coveys outside the breeding season. Nests on the ground in a shallow scrape hidden in grass. Breeding coincides with the rains, when males call frequently from slightly elevated perches. Roosting may occur on the ground or low in shrubs for safety.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing series of accelerated notes, often rendered as a repeated, rising ti-ti-tik-tik or chuk-chuk sequence. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, and notably after rainfall during the monsoon. Calls carry far across open country.
