Cape Spurfowl vs Red-necked 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

Red-necked Spurfowl

Pternistis afer

Large455 gShrubland

The red-necked spurfowl is 25–38 cm (9.8–15.0 in) in length, with significant size differences between the subspecies. It is a generally dark spurfowl, brown above and black-streaked grey or white underparts. The bill, bare facial skin, neck and legs are bright red.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Henggang Cui · CC0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Cape Spurfowl and Red-necked Spurfowl.