Elgon Francolin
Scleroptila elgonensis
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<div data-birdfyi="bird" data-slug="scleroptila-elgonensis"></div>Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://birdfyi.com/iframe/bird/scleroptila-elgonensis/" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://birdfyi.com/bird/scleroptila-elgonensis/Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://birdfyi.com/bird/scleroptila-elgonensis/)Use the native HTML custom element.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<birdfyi-bird slug="scleroptila-elgonensis"></birdfyi-bird>On this page
About
A medium Phasianidae francolin (~478 g) of highland grassland and heathland on the slopes of Mount Elgon and neighbouring mountains in Uganda and Kenya. Typically found above 2,400 m. Brown-streaked and well camouflaged. Feeds on seeds and invertebrates; occurs in pairs or small groups. Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 34.4 cm | 13.5 in |
| Weight | 478.0 g | 16.86 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Brown above with buff shaft streaks and dark spotting; pale buff underparts with dark brown streaking; white throat; rufous wing flash; yellow bill; red legs in male, yellow in female; Mt. Elgon endemic.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of Afroalpine moorland on Mount Elgon (Kenya/Uganda border), above 3,000 m; very restricted range.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on seeds and invertebrates in montane grassland and heathland of East African highlands.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Clutch Size
5
Sound
Song
Loud, strident 'krak-KRAK-krak' calls from Mount Elgon moorland; ringing and emphatic. Mt Elgon and Ugandan highlands endemic. Alarm is explosive cackling cackle. Pairs call antiphonally at dawn.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Scleroptila |
| Species | Scleroptila elgonensis |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Elgon Francolin eat?
Where does the Elgon Francolin live?
Is the Elgon Francolin endangered?
What does the Elgon Francolin sound like?
How big is the Elgon Francolin?
What order and family does the Elgon Francolin belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family