Ahanta Spurfowl vs Djibouti Spurfowl
Pternistis ahantensis compared with Pternistis ochropectus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Ahanta Spurfowl | Djibouti Spurfowl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pternistis ahantensis | Pternistis ochropectus |
| Order | Galliformes | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae | Phasianidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 34.6 cm (13.6 in) | 39.5 cm (15.6 in) |
| Weight | 547.5 g (19.31 oz) | 707.0 g (24.94 oz) |
| Diet | Feeds on seeds, invertebrates, and plant matter in West African lowland forest and thicket. | Feeds on seeds, plant material, and invertebrates in juniper forest and scrub of Djibouti; critically … |
| Clutch Size | 3-12 | 4-6 |
| 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.
Djibouti Spurfowl
Loud, harsh 'krak-KRAAK' calls from Djibouti Forêt du Day; critically endangered with very small world population. Alarm is explosive cackling. One of Africa's rarest birds; poorly documented vocally.
Geographic Range & Migration
Ahanta Spurfowl
Resident of dense lowland and coastal forest in West Africa from Ghana to Cameroon; also found in Bioko Island.
Djibouti Spurfowl
Endemic to Djibouti and adjacent northern Somalia; restricted to the Day Forest and surrounding highlands; one of Africa's rarest birds.
Conservation Status
Ahanta Spurfowl
Djibouti 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.
Djibouti Spurfowl
Brown above with pale buff shaft streaks; pale ochre-buff breast contrasting with white streaked belly; distinctive ochre wash on chest differs from other spurfowl; red facial skin; red legs; critically …
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.
Djibouti Spurfowl
One of Africa's rarest birds, this large Phasianidae spurfowl (~707 g) is endemic to two small juniper forest patches in Djibouti. Population estimated at fewer than 500 individuals. Feeds on seeds, roots, and invertebrates in dense juniper understorey. Critically Endangered from overgrazing and firewood cutting.