Cape Spurfowl
Pternistis capensis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="pternistis-capensis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large Phasianidae spurfowl (~652 g) endemic to the Western Cape and southwestern South Africa. Intricately mottled brown-and-white; red bill and legs. Favours fynbos, renosterveld, and agricultural land. Feeds on seeds, bulbs, and invertebrates; often raids vineyards. Locally common and adaptable; Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 41.2 cm | 16.2 in |
| Weight | 652.25 g | 23.01 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Densely vermiculated dark brown and white overall creating scaled appearance; orange-red bill and legs; red orbital skin; no bare neck. Sexes alike; unique vermiculated pattern unmistakable in South African scrub.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to South Africa and Namibia; resident of fynbos, scrub, and bush in the Western and Eastern Cape and Namaqualand.
Diet & Feeding
Eats seeds, berries, roots, invertebrates, and small animals in South African fynbos and scrub.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 22-25 days.
Clutch Size
6-8
Sound
Song
Very loud, raucous 'krak-krak-KRAAK-KRAAK' calls; S African fynbos species audible from great distance. Alarm is explosive cackling rattle. Common at Cape; calls at dawn and dusk year-round.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Pternistis |
| Species | Pternistis capensis |
Distribution
Cape Spurfowl has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family