Black Francolin

The black francolin, Francolinus francolinus, is a member of the pheasant family Phasianidae, known for its striking appearance and spirited call. Males are predominantly black with a distinctive white cheek patch, a rich chestnut collar, and white spots adorning their flanks. Their back and wings are intricately patterned with golden brown, tawny-buff, and pale edges. The tail is a glossy black with fine white or greyish bars. Females, on the other hand, are dressed in a more subdued brown plumage with a chestnut patch on the hind neck and mottled brown replacing the male's black.

Identification Tips

To identify the black francolin, look for the male's white cheek patch and chestnut collar, as well as the white spotting on the flanks, which can vary across their range. The female is recognized by her lack of a cheek patch and a nuchal patch instead of the male's collar. Both sexes have reddish-brown to red legs and neck, with the male's plumage being more vibrant.

Habitat

These birds favor scrubby environments with ample cultivated crops that provide both shelter and open ground for easy movement. They are often found near water and are not typically forest dwellers, though they may inhabit forest edges adjacent to grasslands.

Distribution

The black francolin is native to a broad region stretching from southeastern Turkey through Iran to southwest Turkmenistan and northeast India. Its presence is also noted in Bangladesh. The species has been introduced to locales such as Guam, the Hawaiian Islands, and parts of the United States, including southwestern Louisiana and south Florida.

Behaviour

The black francolin is known for its secretive nature, preferring to remain hidden unless disturbed. When it does take flight, it is typically a short, direct burst, characteristic of pheasants, followed by a swift return to cover.

Song & Calls

The black francolin's call is a distinctive and loud "klik cheek-cheek-cheerakik," "kik-kik-kik," or "kwee-kweeeee-kwee," often heard during the dawn and dusk hours, and almost continuously throughout the breeding season. Males vocalize from prominent perches to establish territory and attract mates.

Breeding

Monogamous by nature, black francolins nest in tall grasslands from late March to May. The male's conspicuous call is a part of the courtship ritual, and both parents are involved in rearing the young. The preferred breeding habitats include savannas, grasslands, and scrub areas under cultivated crops. In captivity, it is advisable to house only one pair per aviary to reduce aggression during the breeding season.

Similar Species

The grey francolin is similar in size but can be distinguished by its grey-brown and buff body, buff throat, and absence of the rufous collar found in the black francolin.

Diet and Feeding

Black francolins forage on the ground for a diet comprising plant material and small invertebrates. This includes grains, grass seeds, berries, shoots, tubers, termites, and ants. In captivity, they may also consume mealworms and wax worms, though caution is advised to prevent chicks from toe-picking.

Conservation Status

The black francolin is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, it does not face an immediate threat of extinction in the wild.