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Natal Francolin
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Identification
Within its range it is the only spurfowl without bare skin around the eyes and on the throat. The Cape spurfowl also lacks these features but the ranges don't overlap and in addition it has a scaly-patterned lower breast without the streaks found in Cape spurfowl.
Plumage of male and female is similar. The male is heavier (average weight c 500 g versus c 390 g in female) and has much longer leg spurs than the female.
Distribution and habitat
Occurs in eastern regions of South Africa, in E Botswana, all over Zimbabwe, N Mozambique and outside of southern Africa it is found in S Zambia. Found in savanna, woodland and coastal forest.
Predators and parasites
Preyed on by the following birds-of-prey: Wahlberg's eagle, African hawk-eagle, Bateleur, Peregrine falcon and Lanner falcon, and Spotted eagle-owl.
Food
Small bulbs, roots, seeds, fruit, fallen grain; in summer supplemented with insects (termites, grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars).
Breeding
Nest a scrape in the ground, lined with grass stems and sometimes feathers, hidden in scrubby vegetation.
Breeding season (laying dates):
Zimbabwe: all months (peak March to May)
South Africa: peak December to May
After laying 2-7 eggs, the female incubates them for 20-25 days before they hatch.
Chicks can fly short distances after 10-14 days. |
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