Cape Spurfowl

Pternistis capensis

The Cape Spurfowl, or Cape Francolin is a gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae. This francolin is endemic to the southwestern Cape of South Africa.

The Cape Francolin is a bird of scrubby open areas, preferably close to running water. Its nest is a grass-lined scrape under a bush, and six to eight eggs are laid . This species can become very tame if disturbance is limited, and will feed in gardens, by roadsides, or with farmyard chickens. It will run rather than fly if disturbed.

The call is a loud ''cackalac-cackalac-cackalac''.
Cape Spurfowl in de Hoop Nature Reserve These kind of ground-loving game birds are always fun to see, and especially one like this with a range limited to the Southwest Cape region of South Africa. However, they are very tame and easy to see at the de Hoop NR, hanging out in the garden of the lodge at most hours. Cape Spurfowl,De Hoop NP,Geotagged,Pternistis capensis,South Africa,Spring

Appearance

The Cape Spurfowl is 40–42 cm in length. The male, at 600–915 g , averages larger than the female, at 435–659 g . This large francolin appears all dark from a distance, apart from the red legs, but when seen closer the plumage is finely vermiculated in grey and white, with a plainer crown and nape.

The sexes are similar in plumage, but the male has two leg spurs whereas the female has at best one short spur The juvenile is similar to the adults, but has duller legs and clearer vermiculations. This large dark francolin is unlikely to be confused with any other species in its range.

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassAves
OrderGalliformes
FamilyPhasianidae
GenusPternistis
SpeciesP.capensis
Photographed in
South Africa