Cape Spurfowl vs Erckel's Spurfowl

Cape Spurfowl

Pternistis capensis

Large630 gShrubland

The Cape spurfowl is 40–42 cm (16–17 in) in length. The male, at 600–915 g (1.323–2.017 lb), averages larger than the female, at 435–659 g (0.959–1.453 lb). This large spurfowl appears all dark from a distance, apart from the red legs, but when seen closer the plumage is finely vermiculated in grey and white, with a plainer crown and nape. The sexes are similar in plumage, but the male has two leg spurs, whereas the female has at best one short spur. The juvenile is similar to the adults, but has duller legs and clearer vermiculations.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Wayne de Villiers from Cape Town, South Africa · CC BY 2.0

Erckel's Spurfowl

Pternistis erckelii

Large1.2 kgShrubland

The largest African spurfowl, Erckel's spurfowl is 38–43 cm (15–17 in) in length, with females being slightly smaller than males. Males grow to 1.05–1.59 kg (2.3–3.5 lb), based on a sample of three specimens, and a single female specimen was observed to weigh 1.136 kg (2.50 lb). Males and females have similar plumage. The body is covered with stripes of chestnut-color, on its upperside and underside. It has a black face and bill, a chestnut-colored head top and back of neck, and yellow legs. It has white ear coverts and a single streak of white behind its eye.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Bob Walker · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Cape Spurfowl and Erckel's Spurfowl.