adult; no sexual dimorphism (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Cape Spurfowl (or Francolin)
Pternistis capensis

Native Range: Africa

Notes: spurfowl (also known as francolins) are well-camouflaged gamebirds that forage on the ground but sometimes roost in trees; plumages of most species are densely barred or streaked with various browns, beiges, and shades of gray, helping them to blend in with their grassy oft-dry habitats; this species is confined to the extreme southern tip (the Cape region) of Africa.

densely streaked in browns, black, and beiges (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
orange legs and base of bill; dark bars on flank (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

common in its range and often quite confiding (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
plain dark crown but paler cheeks and throat (South Africa; 2007-06-30)