Painted Spurfowl

The painted spurfowl, a member of the pheasant family, is a bird that captivates with its striking plumage. The males are particularly vibrant, adorned with bold white spots that stand out against their darker feathers. These birds are equipped with two to four spurs on their tarsus, while females may also have one or two.

Identification Tips

To identify the male painted spurfowl, look for its black tail and the stark contrast of ochre underparts against darker upperparts. The plumage is speckled with white spots framed by black. The male's head and neck shimmer with a green sheen and are finely dotted with white. The chestnut mantle, rump, and wing coverts add to the bird's colorful display. Females are more subdued in coloration, with a rufous brow and ear coverts, and a pale, spotted throat. Both sexes have dark grey bills and legs, and the tail may be held upright.

Habitat

The painted spurfowl is a denizen of rocky and scrub forest habitats, preferring drier environments than its cousin, the red spurfowl.

Distribution

This species is endemic to peninsular India, with sightings in the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan, the central Indian hills of Pachmarhi, and the rocky hills and dry forests of southern India, including the Nallamala region in the Eastern Ghats.

Behaviour

These birds are typically seen in pairs or small family groups of up to six individuals. They are ground-dwellers, adept at navigating the undergrowth and more inclined to run than fly when disturbed.

Song & Calls

The painted spurfowl's vocalizations consist of a loud, repeated series of "chuguk" calls.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from January to June, with a peak in February. Courtship involves the male presenting food to the female. The species is believed to be monogamous. Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often sheltered by a boulder, where the female lays three to four, sometimes five, pale creamy eggs. While only the female incubates, both parents are involved in rearing the chicks, even performing distraction displays to protect them from predators.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet includes berries, such as those from Ziziphus oenoplia and Lantana camara, as well as insects and flowers like Madhuca longifolia. They are known to visit waterholes in the early morning.

Conservation status

The painted spurfowl is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population.