The Sri Lanka spurfowl is a member of the pheasant family which is endemic to the dense rainforests of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, this bird is known as haban kukula - හබන් කුකුලා in Sinhala.
Region
Sri Lanka (Wet Zone)
Typical Environment
This species inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforests with dense undergrowth and tangled lianas. It favors damp gullies, stream edges, bamboo thickets, and areas with deep leaf litter where it can scratch for food. It tends to avoid open farmland and heavily disturbed forest but may use thick secondary regrowth. Activity is concentrated on the forest floor, with only short flights to roost or evade danger.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sri Lanka spurfowl is a shy, ground-dwelling member of the pheasant family found only in the island’s dense rainforests. Its scientific name, bicalcarata, refers to the male’s distinctive double spurs. Pairs often duet loudly at dawn and dusk, a giveaway despite their secretive habits. In Sri Lanka it is known as haban kukula (හබන් කුකුලා) in Sinhala.
Female
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush from the ground
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups and highly territorial. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground hidden in dense cover, lined with leaves. Clutches are small, and both members of the pair remain close and vocal, especially at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Duetting, ringing calls that accelerate and rise, often heard at first light and late afternoon. Notes are sharp and carrying, beginning with rapid series of clucks and culminating in a piercing, whistled phrase.
Plumage
Males are dark with bold white barring on the underparts and flanks, contrasting rich chestnut wings and mantle, and bare reddish facial skin; females are warm chestnut-brown with fine dark barring and a paler throat. Both sexes have sturdy bodies, short rounded wings, and strong legs with spurs (males typically with two).
Diet
Scratches through leaf litter for seeds, fallen fruits, shoots, and bulbs. Also consumes a variety of invertebrates including ants, termites, beetles, and small snails. Diet varies with seasonal fruiting and invertebrate availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the forest floor in dense understory, along stream banks, and in bamboo or rattan thickets. Often forages along shaded trails and edges within intact rainforest.
