Ahanta Spurfowl vs Double-spurred Spurfowl
Pternistis ahantensis compared with Pternistis bicalcaratus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Ahanta Spurfowl | Double-spurred Spurfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pternistis ahantensis | Pternistis bicalcaratus |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae | Phasianidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 34.6 cm (13.6 in) | 34.1 cm (13.4 in) |
| Weight | 547.5 g (19.31 oz) | 444.0 g (15.66 oz) |
| Diet | Feeds on seeds, invertebrates, and plant matter in West African lowland forest and thicket. | Feeds on seeds, berries, invertebrates, and plant material in West African savanna and scrub. |
| Clutch Size | 3-12 | 4-8 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Ahanta Spurfowl
Loud, staccato 'krak-krak-KRAAK' from W African forest edge; slightly higher than larger spurfowl. Alarm is rapid explosive cackling. Pairs call in loose synchrony at dawn in secondary growth.
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
Ahanta Spurfowl
Resident of dense lowland and coastal forest in West Africa from Ghana to Cameroon; also found in Bioko Island.
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
Ahanta Spurfowl
Double-spurred Spurfowl
How to Tell Them Apart
Ahanta Spurfowl
Dark brown above with pale buff shaft streaks; whitish below with dark brown streaking; red bill; red orbital skin; yellow legs. Sexes similar; closely resembles Double-spurred Spurfowl; West African forests.
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
Ahanta Spurfowl
A medium Phasianidae spurfowl (~548 g) of lowland and secondary forest edges in West Africa from Ivory Coast to Nigeria. Dark brown streaked white; red orbital skin. Forages on the ground in pairs or small groups for seeds, berries, and invertebrates. Tolerates forest fragments; Least Concern.
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.