Swierstra's Spurfowl
Pternistis swierstrai
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<birdfyi-bird slug="pternistis-swierstrai"></birdfyi-bird>The Swierstra's Spurfowl (Pternistis swierstrai) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae (pheasants & partridges), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 35.8 cm and a weight of 470 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Vulnerable.
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About
A medium Phasianidae spurfowl (~470 g) restricted to montane forest and forest edge in the highlands of central Angola. Little known; detected mainly by vocalisations. Feeds on seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. Vulnerable from ongoing deforestation in Angolan highlands and limited range of under-surveyed montane forests.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 35.8 cm | 14.1 in |
| Weight | 470.0 g | 16.58 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Brown above with pale buff streaks; white underparts with dark brown streaking; red bill; red legs; bare red skin around eye. Sexes similar; restricted to highlands of central Angola; rare and poorly known.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to the highlands of central Angola (Huambo and Bié Plateaus); resident of montane grassland and open miombo woodland above 1,500 m.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; eats seeds, invertebrates, and plant material in Angolan Afromontane forest and grassland.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Loud, emphatic 'krak-KRAK' calls from Angolan montane forest; medium-sized spurfowl with slightly nasal quality. Alarm is rapid cackling cackle. Pairs call in duet at dawn from forest understorey.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Pternistis |
| Species | Pternistis swierstrai |
Distribution
Swierstra's Spurfowl has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Swierstra's Spurfowl eat?
Where does the Swierstra's Spurfowl live?
Is the Swierstra's Spurfowl endangered?
What does the Swierstra's Spurfowl sound like?
How big is the Swierstra's Spurfowl?
What order and family does the Swierstra's Spurfowl belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family