The ring-necked francolin is a bird species in the family Phasianidae. It is found in Burundi, Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Rarer than previously believed, it was uplisted from a species of Least Concern to Near Threatened status in the 2007 IUCN Red List. This status persisted until the most recent assessment on 8th July 2024, when it was returned to Least Concern.
Region
East and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in Burundi, Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, primarily in upland grasslands, open savanna, and edges of montane forest. It frequents bracken-covered slopes, bushy hillsides, and lightly cultivated farmlands with hedgerows and field margins. The species often uses recently burned patches where new green growth attracts insects and seeds. It is a terrestrial bird that spends much of its time walking or crouching in tall grass for cover.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This wary ground-dwelling francolin is often heard before it is seen, delivering loud ringing calls at dawn and dusk. It favors grassy hillsides and farm-edge mosaics, where it forages in pairs or small coveys. While tolerant of light cultivation, it is sensitive to heavy hunting and extensive habitat conversion.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
explosive take-off with short rapid wingbeats, then a short glide
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family coveys, keeping close to dense grass for cover. Ground nester, placing a shallow scrape lined with vegetation under a clump of grass or bush. Clutches are moderate-sized, and adults lead chicks to foraging areas soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing, accelerating series of harsh notes, often delivered from a low perch or concealed position. Pairs may duet antiphonally at dawn and dusk, carrying over long distances in hilly country.
