Shelley's Francolin
Scleroptila shelleyi
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<birdfyi-bird slug="scleroptila-shelleyi"></birdfyi-bird>The Shelley's Francolin (Scleroptila shelleyi) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae (pheasants & partridges), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 33.1 cm and a weight of 494.8 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A medium Phasianidae francolin (~495 g) of miombo woodland and grassy savanna across eastern Africa from Kenya to Mozambique. Boldly streaked with chestnut and white. Loud, repetitive dawn calls characterise its presence. Feeds on seeds, berries, and invertebrates. Common in suitable woodland habitat; Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 33.1 cm | 13.0 in |
| Weight | 494.75 g | 17.45 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark brown above with bold buff shaft streaks; white below with prominent dark brown chevron markings on flanks and belly; white throat; rufous-chestnut primaries in flight; red bill and legs.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident of open rocky hillsides, miombo woodland, and savanna from eastern DR Congo and Tanzania south to Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Diet & Feeding
Eats seeds, invertebrates, and plant matter in montane grassland and woodland of eastern Africa.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 22 days.
Clutch Size
3-7
Sound
Song
Loud, sharp 'drink-lager' or 'krak-KEEK-krak' calls; E African highland grassland species. Alarm is rapid explosive cackle. Pairs call antiphonally. Heavy streaked flanks visible in flight.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Scleroptila |
| Species | Scleroptila shelleyi |
Distribution
Shelley's Francolin has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Shelley's Francolin eat?
Where does the Shelley's Francolin live?
Is the Shelley's Francolin endangered?
How does the Shelley's Francolin nest?
What does the Shelley's Francolin sound like?
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What order and family does the Shelley's Francolin belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family