Moorland Francolin
Scleroptila psilolaema
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About
A medium Phasianidae francolin (~480 g) restricted to Afroalpine moorland and high-altitude grassland above 3,000 m in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Specialised for cold, open montane environments; feeds on seeds, tubers, and invertebrates. Near Threatened owing to its highly restricted range and overgrazing pressure.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 32.5 cm | 12.8 in |
| Weight | 480.0 g | 16.93 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark brown above with buff shaft streaks; pale buff underparts heavily streaked dark brown; white throat with dark border; rufous wing patch in flight; yellow bill; yellow legs. Restricted to Ethiopian highlands.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of Afroalpine moorland and short grassland in the Ethiopian Highlands and the Bale and Arsi Mountains, at 3,000–4,000 m.
Diet & Feeding
Eats seeds, bulbs, invertebrates, and plant material in East African montane moorland and heathland.
Conservation Status
Sound
Song
Raucous, grating 'keer-KRAK' calls from E African moorland above 2,500 m; sharp and carrying across open heathland. Alarm is explosive cackling. Pairs call at dawn across afroalpine terrain.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Scleroptila |
| Species | Scleroptila psilolaema |
Distribution
Moorland Francolin has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Moorland Francolin eat?
Where does the Moorland Francolin live?
Is the Moorland Francolin endangered?
What does the Moorland Francolin sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family