Shelley's Francolin

Shelley's francolin (Scleroptila shelleyi) is a bird belonging to the family Phasianidae, named in honor of Sir Edward Shelley, cousin of the ornithologist George Ernest Shelley. This species exhibits the characteristic stout build of francolins, with a plumage that blends seamlessly into its grassland habitat.

Habitat

The natural habitat of Shelley's francolin includes grassy woodlands and grasslands, where it can forage and nest on the ground, shielded by the vegetation.

Distribution

This species is distributed across various countries in Africa, including Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. It is a bird of the African continent, thriving in regions that support its habitat preferences.

Conservation status

Shelley's francolin is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher level of concern.