Red-necked Spurfowl

The Red-necked Spurfowl, or Red-necked Francolin, is a gamebird belonging to the family Phasianidae. It is a bird of considerable variation in size, ranging from 25 to 38 cm in length. This species exhibits a generally dark plumage, with the upper parts being brown and the underparts displaying a black-streaked grey or white. Notably, the bill, bare facial skin, neck, and legs are of a striking bright red, lending the bird its common name.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Red-necked Spurfowl, look for its distinctive red neck and facial skin, which contrast with its darker body. The size differences among subspecies may also aid in identification, with some being notably larger than others.

Habitat

The Red-necked Spurfowl is found across a variety of habitats in the central belt of Africa, extending down the east coast to South Africa. It prefers areas where it can keep to deep cover but may venture into open scrub or cultivated lands when disturbance is minimal.

Distribution

This spurfowl has a broad range, breeding from north Gabon and south Congo Republic through parts of central and east Africa, reaching as far south as South Africa.

Behaviour

A wary bird, the Red-necked Spurfowl tends to remain hidden, although it may feed in more open areas if it feels secure and has access to nearby thickets for quick retreat. Its nesting strategy is simple, involving a bare scrape on the ground where it lays three to nine eggs.

Status

The Red-necked Spurfowl is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is widespread and common throughout its large range. This status reflects a stable population that does not currently face significant threats to its survival.

Diet and Feeding

Red-necked Spurfowl feeds on a variety of seeds, insects, and possibly small invertebrates, foraging on the ground within its habitat.

Conservation status

The Red-necked Spurfowl is fortunate to be considered of Least Concern, suggesting that there are currently no immediate threats to its populations that would warrant a higher level of conservation action.