The scaly spurfowl is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is found in Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and riverine thickets, often within forest–savanna mosaics. It favors dense understory and leaf-littered floors where it can forage while remaining concealed. The species readily uses disturbed habitats such as old clearings and small-scale farms near forest. It is generally absent from open grassland and very closed, undisturbed interior forest.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A shy, ground-dwelling gamebird, the scaly spurfowl is noted for the fine scalloped pattern on its plumage. It more often runs than flies, flushing at close range with a loud whirr of wings. Pairs or small coveys call most at dawn and dusk, and despite foraging on the ground, they frequently roost in low trees or dense thickets.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family coveys, maintaining loose contact with soft clucks. Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, well concealed in vegetation. Clutches typically contain several eggs, and pairs are thought to be monogamous during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are series of grating cackles and accelerating, rhythmic duets given at dawn and dusk. Contact calls are low clucks from cover; alarm calls are sharper and more explosive.
