Barbary Partridge vs Double-spurred Spurfowl
Alectoris barbara compared with Pternistis bicalcaratus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Barbary Partridge | Double-spurred Spurfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alectoris barbara | Pternistis bicalcaratus |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae | Phasianidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 32.6 cm (12.8 in) | 34.1 cm (13.4 in) |
| Weight | 418.5 g (14.76 oz) | 444.0 g (15.66 oz) |
| Diet | Feeds on seeds, berries, shoots, and invertebrates in North African scrub, rocky terrain, and farmland. | Feeds on seeds, berries, invertebrates, and plant material in West African savanna and scrub. |
| Clutch Size | 6-27 | 4-8 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Barbary Partridge
Loud, nasal 'kee-kee-kee-KARRR' calls from N African rocky terrain; slightly lower than Red-legged Partridge. Alarm is rapid cackling cackle. Pairs call in duet at dawn on rocky hillsides and scrub.
Double-spurred Spurfowl
Strident crowing series of raspy 'ka-wee' notes; noisy duets at dawn; alarm call a sharp clucking 'kek-kek-kek'
Geographic Range & Migration
Barbary Partridge
Resident of rocky hillsides, scrub, and coastal areas in North Africa (Morocco to Libya), Canary Islands, Sardinia, Gibraltar, and Madeira.
Double-spurred Spurfowl
Resident of open woodland, forest edge, and moist savanna in West Africa from Senegal and Gambia east to Togo and Benin.
Conservation Status
Barbary Partridge
Double-spurred Spurfowl
How to Tell Them Apart
Barbary Partridge
Blue-grey upperparts; chestnut-spotted white flank bars; grey crown; rufous-brown collar with white spots; reddish-orange bill and legs; white face. Closely resembles Red-legged Partridge but collar spotted.
Double-spurred Spurfowl
Brown above with pale buff shaft streaks; whitish below with dark brown streaking; red bill; red orbital skin; yellow legs; male with two prominent tarsal spurs diagnostic. West African species; …
About These Birds
Barbary Partridge
A medium Phasianidae partridge (~419 g) of rocky hillsides, scrub, and open slopes across North Africa, the Canary Islands, and Gibraltar. Grey-brown with a spotted chestnut-necklace pattern. Lives in pairs or small coveys; feeds on seeds, bulbs, and invertebrates. Least Concern; introduced as a gamebird in several regions.
Double-spurred Spurfowl
A medium Phasianidae spurfowl (~444 g) of West African forests and forest edges from Senegambia to Ghana. Named for the two spurs on each leg. Brown and white-streaked; red facial skin. Inhabits secondary growth and woodland-grassland margins. Feeds on seeds and invertebrates; forages in small groups. Least Concern.